Prince William to get his wings

Updated 16.29 Wed Oct 10 2007

Keywords: Royal Navy, Royal Air Force, Prince William

Prince William is to follow in his father's footsteps by learning to fly helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft with the RAF, Clarence House has said.

The 25-year-old will serve on attachment to the Royal Air Force next year following the completion of his time with the Household Cavalry Regiment. The four-month secondment with the RAF will start in January.

The Prince of Wales earned his "wings" in 1971 after training as a jet pilot at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire

He will then serve with the Royal Navy to gain an understanding of life on submarines and surface ships, it was announced.

The two secondments follow the Prince's year in the Blues and Royals. As a Second Lieutenant in the Household Cavalry regiment, he currently commands a troop consisting of 12 men.

He entered the Blues and Royals having completed training at the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst in December 2006.

In learning to pilot aircraft, William will be emulating his father's achievements some 35 years earlier.

The Prince of Wales earned his "wings" in 1971 after training as a jet pilot at RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire.

Charles went on to command the Royal Navy minesweeper HMS Bronington.