Wills takes on role of air ambulance helicopter pilot

Prince William pictured at RAF Valley in Holyhead, United Kingdom where he was stationed as a search and rescue helicopter pilot back in 2011. Source: Getty Images

Kensington Palace has announced that Prince William will take on the role of helicopter pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance in 2015.

The Duke of Cambridge will start the role as a co-pilot, but after further training he will gain qualifications as a helicopter commander.

GALLERY: Wills and Kate get flirty in Glasgow

A statement released by Kensington Palace, outlined how Wills will combine this new role with his official royal duties as the second in line to the British throne.

"This job will be the Duke's primary occupation, but his roster will take into account the duties and responsibilities he will continue to undertake on behalf of The Queen, both in the United Kingdom and overseas.

An East Anglian Air Ambulance as it takes off from Cambridge Airport in Cambridge, United Kingdom on August 6, 2014. Source: Getty Images

"The Duke will also continue his work with his patronages and with the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry."

The statement also clarified that while the Duke will sign an employment contract - the first Member of the Royal Family in direct succession to do so - and will receive a salary for his work which will be donated to charity.

GALLERY: William and Georges sweetest moments

Wills started his full-time military duties in 2006 as an Officer Cadet at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst before he commissioned into the Household Cavalry in December that year.

He became a Lieutenant in The Blues and Royals before transferring his commission to the Royal Air Force.

GALLERY: The best royal photobombs - ever!

The Duke started training to become a Search and Rescue pilot in January 2009 and was then based at RAF Valley between January 2010 and September 2013, where, as Flight Lieutenant Wales, he served as a fully operational Search and Rescue pilot on the Sea King helicopter - becoming qualified as a helicopter Captain in June 2012.

During his seven-and-a-half years of full-time military service, he undertook more than 150 search and rescue operations and has completed over 1,300 flying hours.

Subscribe to New Idea and keep up-to-date with all your favourite celebrities, touching real-life stories, delicious recipes and more each week!