Prince William completes final pilot shift

Prince William has completed his final shift as a search-and-rescue helicopter pilot after announcing plans to quit his job to focus on his family and royal duties.

The Duke of Cambridge, who recently became a first-time father to Prince George, trained and served in the army before taking up a pilot post with the Royal Air Force in Anglesey, Wales.

He has now worked his final shift there after three years in the position. The prince was rumoured to be transferring to an army unit in London where he could be close to his wife, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge and their son, but a statement from the royal family has confirmed he has now stepped down from all operational duties in Britain's armed forces.

The statement, released on Thursday (12Sep13), reads, "His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge is to leave operational service in the Armed Forces. He completes his Tour with the Royal Air Force Search and Rescue Force at RAF Valley, Anglesey, after more than seven-and-a-half years of full-time military service.

"He will continue to support the work of The Queen and the Royal Family through a programme of official engagements, both at home and overseas, with The Duchess of Cambridge... He will expand his work in the field of conservation, particularly in respect of endangered species.

"The Duke will continue to work with his charities on issues relating to children and young people, veterans and serving members of the Armed Forces. The Duke is currently considering a number of options for public service, a further announcement on which will follow in due course."