Prince William is leaving the British military after more than seven years of full-time service to focus on his royal duties and charity work.
According to a statement released Thursday, the second-in-line to the British throne is wrapping up his tour of duty as a helicopter pilot with the Royal Air Force Search and Rescue Force and is now considering “a number of options for public service."
In addition to his royal duties in support of the Queen and the Royal Family, William will “expand his work in the field of conservation, particularly in respect of endangered species” and will “continue to work with his charities on issues relating to children and young people, veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces,” the Kensington Palace statement read.
As a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot, William famously helped save a 16-year-old girl from drowning off the coast of Wales in 2012.
The girl, who was reportedly trying to help her younger sister, was caught in a rip current when William and his crew showed up. The prince piloted the rescue helicopter while a crewmate pulled the girl from the water.
Days later, he was part of an operation to rescue an Ontario woman after she broke her ankle while hiking on an island in North Wales.
Darlene Burton was airlifted to hospital in a helicopter piloted by the prince.
In July, William’s wife Kate gave birth to the couple’s first child, Prince George.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are expected to move into their official residence at Kensington Palace with their son in the next few weeks.
William’s brother Harry remains in the military.
