As a former pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance, The Prince of Wales has expressed his gratitude to the Channel Islands Air Search team for their vital contributions to maritime safety.
Prince William, who served as a pilot for the EAAA from March 2015 to July 2017, has made it a cornerstone of his royal work to advocate for the mental health of frontline workers and highlight the critical role of air ambulance services.
Prince of Wales during a visit to RAF Northolt. (Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
In a heartfelt letter, Prince William praised the team’s dedication and professionalism. He began by acknowledging their ‘vital work’ and extended his gratitude for their efforts to safeguard 4,000 square miles of waters surrounding the Channel Islands.
‘I wanted to express my sincere thanks for everything you do to keep these waters safe for those who use them’ William wrote. The Prince of Wales went on to highlight the challenging conditions faced by the team, describing the area as ‘a busy zone for shipping and leisure craft with highly unpredictable weather conditions’. He added that the coastguard and other search and rescue units depend heavily on their aerial surveillance, referring to their aircraft as the indispensable ‘eyes in the sky’.
Prince William further commended the team for their unwavering commitment, flying their aircraft, Lions’ Pride, on a voluntary basis and at no cost to those in need. ‘To continue to provide this service without charge is a testament to your extraordinary professionalism, volunteerism, and dedication to search and rescue’, he remarked.
The Prince of Wales during a visit to Simon’s Town Harbour to meet with volunteers of the National Seas Rescue Institute. (Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
Reflecting on his own experience as an air ambulance pilot, William noted the emotional toll of such work. ‘It is amazing what you collectively achieve each year,’ he wrote. ‘As a pilot myself, I know that each of you will have personal experiences that stay with you, no matter the number of rescues or hours spent flying. Please remember to look after yourselves and each other’.
The Prince concluded his letter by conveying his ‘admiration and heartfelt thanks’ for the efforts of Channel Islands Air Search, emphasising the importance of their mission.
The Prince of Wales often champions the work of first responders. Here he is pictured during a visit to Simon’s Town Harbour to meet with volunteers of the National Seas Rescue Institute (NSRI). (Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
Prince William’s connection to air ambulance services is deeply personal. In March 2020, he became Patron of London’s Air Ambulance, following his involvement in the charity’s 30th-anniversary celebrations the previous year. During the anniversary campaign, he joined the crew on a flight and met with staff and patients, underscoring his commitment to raising awareness and funds for the organisation.
Prince of Wales searched with the East Anglia Air Ambulance. (Royal Family)
Reflecting on his time with the EAAA, William described his role as a pilot as ‘a huge privilege’. On his final day, he shared, ‘I have had experiences in this job that I will carry with me for the rest of my life, and they will add a valuable perspective to my royal work for decades to come’.
He also acknowledged the profound emotional experiences that came with the role. ‘I have met people in the most desperate of circumstances’ he said. ‘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 of Wales’ letter to Channel Islands Air Search serves as a poignant reminder of the critical role played by air ambulance and search-and-rescue teams worldwide, as well as his enduring commitment to supporting those on the front lines.
