Prince William, second in the line of royal succession and Duke of Cambridge, will begin flying as an air ambulance pilot this summer, Kensington Palace has revealed.          

The East Anglian Air Ambulance, based at Cambridge Airport, stated that the prince would take up his role in the summer, instead of the spring as previously indicated. The Duchess of Cambridge is expecting the couple’s second child in April, which may be a factor in the delay.

The 32-year-old will be employed by Bond Air Services, being the first member of the royal family in direct succession to sign an employment contract with a civilian employer. The air service operates two helicopters on behalf of the air ambulance service, based in Cambridge and Norwich, with the helicopters serving Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and North Suffolk.

William previously embarked upon a bespoke ten-week course in Cambridge in 2013, studying agriculture at St John’s College to prepare him for his future duties as Duke of Cornwall, which he will inherit and which will provide him with a generous income upon becoming Prince of Wales.

The Duke of Cambridge is expected to earn around £40,000 annually in his new role, but is due to donate his after-tax salary to charity. Having given up his role as an RAF search and rescue pilot in September 2013, William remains a qualified military pilot able to operate as a sea captain.

During his seven years flying, he carried out more than 150 missions, completing more than 1,300 flying hours.

His new role requires a civil pilot’s license which means that a period of training is needed before he is permitted to take command of the Air Ambulance Aircraft. His training comprises a civilian pilot course followed by dedicated 999 response training.

Patrick Peal, Chief Executive of the East Anglian Air Ambulance, claimed that they would benefit from William’s operational experience and will serve to highlight the charity’s work.

“This is really good news for the charity, and we’re delighted His Highness has decided to fly with us,” he said.

He went on to say: “We are confident this will help raise the profile of the charity and other air ambulance charities in the region and across the UK.”