Prince William is officially ending his day job on Thursday after he completes his last shift as an air ambulance pilot, to dedicate his full time to royal duties.
The 35-year-old Duke of Cambridge is second-in-line to the British throne after his father, Charles.
In January, Prince William announced that he would give up his job as an air pilot with the East Anglia Air Ambulance (EAAA), in order to take on more royal roles after Queen Elizabeth has eased up on her load since turning 90.
As air ambulance pilot, the prince flew various medical crews to all sorts of harrowing emergencies, such as road accidents, suicides, and burn victims.
Prince William praised the hard work and dedication of those working in medical emergencies:
“As part of the team, I have been invited into people’s homes to share moments of extreme emotion, from relief that we have given someone a fighting chance, to profound grief.”
The prince also shared that his time with the EAAA has shaped him as a person, and his work as a royal.
“Following on from my time in the military, I have had experiences in this job I will carry with me for the rest of my life, and that will add a valuable perspective to my royal work for decades to come.”
Following his retirement as an air ambulance pilot, Prince William and wife Kate are moving with children George and Charlotte from Anmer Hall in eastern England, to Kensington Palace.
