Prince William qualifies as RAF operational captain

Prince William has qualified as a search and rescue operational captain in Britain's Royal Air Force.

The Duke of Cambridge, previously a co-pilot, is now able to head up operations in RAF helicopters.

The prince, known as Flight Lieutenant Wales, has flown with C Flight, 22 Squadron RAF Valley in Anglesey, Wales since September and completed his captaincy tests on 29 May (12) ahead of his grandmother Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Wing Commander Mark Dunlop says, "Flt Lt Wales demonstrated the required standards needed for the award of Operation Captaincy. Due to the nature of search and rescue operations, the required standards are always set at a very high level. Operational Captaincy carries the overarching responsibility for the safety of the aircraft, its crew and any casualties."