John Stillwell/PAThe skies really will feel a bit friendlier with Prince William spending more time up there.
The soon-to-be father of two has completed all of the exams necessary to get his Air Transport Pilot's license, and he will be starting work as an air ambulance pilot upon his return from the trip to Asia he just embarked on.
"Shortly before departing for Japan and China, The Duke completed and passed his Air Transport Pilot's Licence exams, which he required before starting work as an Air Ambulance Pilot," the Palace said in a statement Thursday. "The Duke sat a total of 14 written exams on a range of aviation topics including the Principles of Flight, Navigation, Flight Planning and Air Law.
"After he returns from his tour to Japan and China in March, he will start working for East Anglian Air Ambulance and be formally employed by Bond Air Services. He will initially be required to complete another period of mandatory training, involving aircraft training, in-flight skills testing and further written exams.
"For background info, this training will last at least a couple of months and we anticipate he will start operational shifts with East Anglian Air Ambulance in early summer. We will provide further details about the next phase of his training in due course."
As he was bred for a life of public service, the Duke of Cambridge was also made for this, the royal and his brother Prince Harry both attending the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, with William going on to serve in the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. Harry ultimately deployed twice to Afghanistan, his first tour coming up short due to safety concerns.
Before he grabs the throttle, however, William has an official visit to Japan and China to complete. Kate Middleton's hubby arrived at Tokyo's Haneda International Airport today and he hit the ground (or the water) running, jumping on a fast boat that took him by way of the harbor to the Japanese capital, disembarking at the historic Hama Rikyu Gardens.
He then took part in a traditional tea ceremony, sipping green tea served by a Grand Master, and was to spend the evening at the British Ambassador's official residence.
Kate sat this trip out for obvious reasons, baby on the way and all.