A busy year ahead for Prince William
Prince William has a busy year scheduled for 2008. Royal officials say his priority is to develop his military career in all three branches of the Armed Forces.
In January he will leave the Household Cavalry after two years service, for an extended spell with the RAF. He will spend several months learning to fly fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, a long-held boyhood dream.
Then, following a summer break, the Prince will spend the rest of the year with the Royal Navy, becoming the first modern Royal to serve in all three branches of the military.
A senior Royal aide said, “Effectively, Prince William will spend half the year with the RAF and then the second half with the Royal Navy. … William is particularly excited by the prospect of learning to fly and learning how the RAF do their job. By the end of next year, he will have a more thorough grounding in the three services than any other previous Royal.”
Another commented, “There had been some thought that he might be seconded as an Army officer and continue to wear his Army uniform. But now it has been decided he will be commissioned into the RAF and serve in RAF uniform with the rank of Flying Officer. Then he will be commissioned into the Royal Navy and wear the Royal Navy uniform while he serves as a lieutenant. He will continue to draw his Army salary during this time.”
Prince William’s military career will end in December 2008 or January 2009. He intends to gain some work experience in government before becoming a working member of the Royal Family.
He will also continue his role in seven charities, and in Royal events like Trooping the Colour and the Remembrance Day service at the Cenotaph. He will keep his links with underprivileged children as Patron of Centrepoint, the charity for young homeless people, and for his father’s biggest charity, the Prince’s Trust.
A source is quoted as saying, “It would be wrong to assume that, overnight, he will suddenly start doing 500 engagements a year like his father, but his duties will gradually escalate”.
A busy year ahead then with not much room to manouevre romantically.
We shall see.
William will be busy, but not too busy to find time for Kate. It may be that her change of career to photography will give her a chance to do nature photography close to some of the places where William will be serving. I can imagine short leaves to romantic places all over Britain. Would they have a variety of royal castles to choose from?
By Evelyn on December 31st, 2007 at 6:46 pm
It seems the RF is pushing William harder with the military but IMO being commissioned in to the RAF and RN is for him to legitimately wear those uniforms unlike those members who never served in those branches but wear military dress insulting those who actually serve. But on to Kate and William this year will be the make or break for them and I think they will make it. The relationship seems strong and Kate seems to have adjusted a bit better to the media attention.
By Trudie on December 31st, 2007 at 6:54 pm
I do not believe that it is considered an insult by military personnel to have a member of the Royal Family–especially a senior member of the Royal Family–wear the uniform and serve as Colonel-in-Chief or whatever other rank the Monarch wishes to bestow. I agree that it is a good thing for Prince William and Prince Harry to serve in the military, as they are doing, and that it is desireable for Prince William to serve in all branches of the military. Since there is time for him to do so before his Royal duties escalate, as they will when Charles becomes King, this is a good decision. Royal patronage of a regiment–or any other military unit–is considered a great honor to the regiment both by the officers and the lower ratings.
By Gigi on December 31st, 2007 at 8:24 pm
I know, It will be very tough for William & Kate but I know their love for each other will see them through. Trudie, you are right I know William will find time for Kate. I’m sure Kate is very understanding and is willing to stand by him through it all. She must be very proud of him. But I do think 2008 and 2009 will be very exciting years. Happy New Years to you all.
By Claudius on December 31st, 2007 at 10:25 pm
The coming year will definitely be the proving ground for Kate & William. After contemplating how busy William will be in 2008, I’ve come to the conclusion that foregoing an engagement or an engagement announcement is probably wise. William will need all of his faculties about him while participating in such serious and rigorous training, and wondering about an imminent wedding and his role as a soon-to-be husband could prove to be a distraction. Kate definitely seems to have the wherewithal to remain steadfast in supporting him and will be able to rely on her family.
As it is now the New Year in the “Royal Anecdotes Time Zone,” I wish one and all a happy, healthy and safe year in 2008 and beyond. May we all remember William in our thoughts and prayers especially, as military flight training can be dangerous. Cheers!
By Melissa on January 1st, 2008 at 12:08 am
Happy New Year to everyone!!! I wish everyone best wishes and a healthy one.
By Trudie on January 1st, 2008 at 3:40 am
Thank you, everyone. As it is now January 1st everywhere on earth — although it may already be the 2nd in Sydney (doesn’t time fly?) — may I wish all Royal Anecdotians a truly happy, blessed and memorable New Year in their own private lives and a Right Royal one in Her Majesty’s Realms around the world.
P.S. — for purposes of this occasion, the US can squeeze into Canada’s Monarchical space.
By John on January 1st, 2008 at 1:58 pm
Happy New Years to all! Thank you John for giving up part of your holiday to write and to answer questions. I hope that this a good year for everyone.
By kat on January 1st, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Gigi I ‘m sorry but I have to disagree with you regarding the military dress issue. Coming from a family with military ties in war and peace time let me just say they have earned the right to proudly wear a uniform laying their lives down for their country. In the case of HM she served as a salbaltern during WW2 but has not worn a uniform. In the case of PA and PE Earl of Wessex they have never served but through an accident of birth received honorary commissions which in my opinion since they will never rule they are no better than someone ordinary like a child who just wants to play at being a serving member of the military and dress up. I’ll save my praise for the actual vetreans in that family such as the DofE, HM, PA and gasp PC.
By Trudie on January 1st, 2008 at 10:02 pm
Also a Happy New Year 2008 to all of you.
I just came back to RA with joy in my heart, that the break did not last until 3rd. of Jan. 2008.
I think, there is a reason behind this shedule announcement of Prince William. As far as I know, the shedules of the Royals are usually not stipulated in detail so far in advance. Means to me, the time table given about of prince William is designed to shut down all conjecture about a royal engagement, etc. in the current year, possibly in agreement with botth William and Kate. Another move to keep the press quiet, and right they are.
I think this generation is teaching the press - and us, too, a lesson.
They show us all clearly, that they for themselves are the ones to set the pace, and not to be rushed in any direction just because there is a big discussion around this dear planet underway.
Everytime the press tries to force a statement, they seem to fade into the backstage, and they will continue to do so, until finally the day comes when they proudly will tell us what they have decided for their future. But not one minute before they are up to it.
This is a lesson, learned by heart, I think from dear Diana herself!
By Gena on January 1st, 2008 at 10:27 pm
Gena, your are wise. I never thought of things that way. In fact, Prince William and Kate might already have gone underground. I haven’t read or seen anything about what they did for New Years. You are right that they will let us know if and when they are going to get engaged, married. I do wish both of them a happy and fullfilling year. I hope both of them find the wisdom that you have shown and others will be there to support their choices.
By kat on January 1st, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Hey, Happy New Years. It’s 2008 and false stories about William & Kate are coming to the surface. If you go to thisisaberdeen.co.uk, you will read a story about William & Kate spliting. I know you guys can spot a fake story from miles away and you can’t tell me that story is true. I can’t believe that they are starting something like that in this New Year.
By Claudius on January 2nd, 2008 at 6:56 am
Trudie, Since the Queen is Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and Princes traditionally led them into battle, it’s a long tradition for the Monarch’s children and spouses to become honary Colonels etc. of regiments and equivalent, whether they served or not. That’s just the way it works. Camilla is playing a blinder in that role right now.
Claudius, I saw that story in This is Aberdeen, but it was a review of the year and referred to last April.
By John on January 2nd, 2008 at 8:54 am
John I get your point but answer this how come Princess Mary the former Princess Royal during two world wars was not seen in military dress? I’m all for them becoming honorary colonels and supporting the troops but I feel strongly that the uniform should be earned and worn by those who actively serve.
By Trudie on January 2nd, 2008 at 11:09 am
I totally agree with you Trudie, it must upset ‘old soldiers’ during the Remembrance day ceremonies and parades. I have to repeat something that I have mentioned previously on RA and that is the number of medals worn by Prince Charles. Medals are awarded by the Ministry of Defence and are given for each military campaign, my dad was in both WW1 AND WW2 and received a total of 8. He was at the Somme, Dunkirk and Normandy. Photos of Prince Charles show him wearing about 8. Alright he served in the Navy, commanding HMS Bronnington but never saw active service! He is entitled to wear his RAF Wings but as for the others??? This must rankle with the boys of the old brigade.
By Royalist on January 2nd, 2008 at 1:39 pm
Royalist, some of Charles’s medals will be the Order of Merit, the Garter, etc,. which are in the gift of the Queen, and foreign orders. The Prince and Philip would have been given these orders to burnish them for its members.
By John on January 2nd, 2008 at 1:48 pm
Trudie, I understand all you say, but Prince Andrew served as a helicopter pilot during the Falklands War, so his credentials are solid ones. Regarding the former Princess Royal, Princess Mary, she did not appear in uniform because her Father, King Edward V, held to his very old-fashioned views about the appropriate roles of women and did not believe it was seemly for his daughter to wear military garb.
From the earliest days when kings and princes actually led their troops in battle, Royal patronage is the gilding that made the rigorious life of the military man worth the deprivation and the danger. It is a very old tradition and I would be surprised if any British soldier or sailor views the custom negatively.
By Gigi on January 2nd, 2008 at 3:55 pm
Just look at that picture of him. I’d forgotten how gorgeous he was.
By kit on January 2nd, 2008 at 4:27 pm
As we know, William isn’t allowed in a combat zone, so I expect the same has been true of Charles. And although Harry is allowed (technically), he has been prevented from serving because his presence would place too many others in grave danger. So just how WOULD the royals go about getting medals by merit of service in dangerous war zones???
By Evelyn on January 2nd, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Good point, Evelyn. Furthermore, many of the senior Royals who are patrons of regiments, etc., are women and until very recently, women in the military service were not deployed to forward areas. This is an honorary appointment about which we are speaking, not unlike honorary academic degrees given by universities to persons of note in the public arena. If the Sovereign, who is, after all, Commander-in-Chief of all the military, feels these honorary appointments are appropriate, I feel that nothing can be amiss.
By Gigi on January 2nd, 2008 at 5:21 pm
The Daily Mail has a good article on William’s time with the Air Force. He’ll be up early and studying late during his 4-months there, sleeping in barracks and eating in the officer’s mess. The Air Force also has a rule restricting alcohol consumption within 12-hours of flying, which– with William’s schedule– sounds like he won’t be drinking much during these months. It does sound like he’ll have weekends off, and can spend that time with Kate.
By Evelyn on January 3rd, 2008 at 11:39 pm
Excellent news, Evelyn, thanks for passing that on!
By Gigi on January 4th, 2008 at 2:40 am
Thanks, Evelyn. Not drinking within 12 hours of flying sounds totally inadequate to me. The way some people drink nowadays I would have thought a couple of days would be safer.
By John on January 4th, 2008 at 9:27 am
I saw the same article that Evelyn referred to. From the quotes given by the person responsible for training William, it sounds like William will be studying and such during what little free time he will have, and will be so physically and mentally fatigued that he won’t want to do much else during his free time. I’m really glad that any possible engagement announcement and attendant wedding plans have been put off, as William really needs to concentrate on what he’s doing. Military flight training is serious and dangerous business and one needs to be fully committed to the task. It’s clear that this is not a walk in the park and William will be subject to the same rigors and deprivations as everyone else. No special perks for the young Royal (as it should be). Kate will have to be patient and supportive while taking an unmistakable backseat to William’s training. This will definitely be a defining time in their relationship.
John, I agree with what you’re saying about a 12-hour deprivation from alcohol being inadequate. With all the binge drinking that goes on, I find it highly unlikely that a person has a clear head after a mere 12 hours. A person might not be strictly “under the influence” after 12 hours, but I don’t think people are very sharp with a hangover, either. The article in some ways was contradictory in saying “no alcohol within 12 hours of flying” while at the same time saying that a person in training must not drink for four months. I think a total ban sounds more appropriate (and make them take drug tests along the way to make sure no one’s bending the rules). It’s taxpayer money and the training is dangerous to the public as well, so no one could really object to testing, but that’s another topic entirely.
By Melissa on January 4th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
That’s all true, Melissa. I read the article again and it says “two pints within 12 hours”, but two pints of what?
Some beers are very strong now and cider can be 7.5%. Even Californian Merlot is 13.5%, and I know people who drink it by the pint. 
By John on January 4th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
Gosh, John, I’m embarassed to say that in my younger years I saw people partaking of drink stronger than beer or wine by the pint!
I wouldn’t want to be the flight trainer in a plane when the young trainee had a pint of whiskey twelve hours prior. Eek. Hopefully they are all too busy to drink. If only airline pilots were too busy to drink and hop behind the controls 12 hours later (or less, as we’re sadly finding out to be a common practice).
By Melissa on January 4th, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Now drinking whisky by the pint is a new one on me, but I dare say there are more than a few in Scotland who have that habit.
By John on January 4th, 2008 at 1:05 pm
I should adjust my comments to say that I saw large amounts of strong drink consumed that would amount to a pint or thereabouts over the course of an evening, not just all in one pint glass. I am chuckling at the image of a guy shimmying up to the bar and downing a pint-glass full of whiskey. Not the image I was trying to share! LOL
By Melissa on January 4th, 2008 at 1:10 pm
Our standard bottle of whisky is 70cl, which is about a pint. And, yes, I have seen people down a bottle of whisky in an evening, but never in one go in a pint glass.
By John on January 4th, 2008 at 1:46 pm
Ah, yes, now we are on the same page.
By Melissa on January 4th, 2008 at 1:52 pm
From the article, it sounds like William will be up early to fly (5-6-7am?) and studying the details of flying late into the evening (9-10pm?). I could certainly see having a little something to drink after the flying or with his evening meal. Much more than that might affect his ability to absorb the material he’s studying.
I agree with you, John– binge drinking on the weekend would not be helpful to the whole process.
I also see this whole training process as important to William & Kate’s relationship. It will be helpful if she can show William (and the other royals and courtiers) that she can be patient and supportive of his role as King-in-training. She no doubt will need to do that many times over the course of their married life. There certainly are some nice perks to marrying into the royal family, but serving his country isn’t something William will be able to do on a part-time basis. They’ll both need to be dedicated to his “career.”
By Evelyn on January 4th, 2008 at 3:08 pm
I agree, Evelyn. It’s not much to ask given the huge advantages they receive by marrying into the Royal Family. She will probably be 27 when (if) she marries, so she will have left adolescent selfishness behind — with any luck.
By John on January 4th, 2008 at 4:02 pm
John, I see Kate as already beyond adolescent selfishness. Her attitude and closed mouth during their 2007 split showed that she’s more mature than many her age. I give credit to her parents for that!
Kate’s 26th birthday is just next week– January 9. I hope Prince William is doing something special for her his weekend, as he heads off to training late Sunday, for his early start Monday morning.
By Evelyn on January 4th, 2008 at 4:25 pm