Prince William was back in Shropshire today to start his RAF career by training to become a search and rescue helicopter pilot.

And the second-in-line to the throne is expected to be joined at RAF Shawbury by his younger brother Prince Harry in the summer when he arrives to train as an Army air corps pilot.

Prince William was due to start his training at RAF Shawbury today after officially transferring from the Army into the RAF at the rank of Flight Lieutenant. He arrived at the base yesterday by car.

It is the second time he has been stationed at RAF Shawbury, after he spent four weeks at the base last year as part of his secondment to the RAF.

This time, the 26-year-old is expected to spend the next year based there. He will live on the base in a single room, possibly en suite, in an accommodation block and relax with the other trainee pilots in the officers’ mess. 

Group Captain David Prowse, station commander of RAF Shawbury, said William would be joining a unit whose work was a “vital” part of the emergency services. 

The senior RAF officer said: “The course is not easy, we don’t do easy courses in the military – we put them under a lot of  pressure and expect a lot of them. 

“After all, once they leave they could find themselves low level, at night, in a Sea King, in bad weather trying to get somebody to hospital or trying to get them off the hills.” 

The royal will eventually learn to fly Sea King helicopters with pinpoint accuracy in treacherous conditions to rescue stricken mountaineers or exhausted swimmers. 

Wing Commander Andy Lovell, the chief flying instructor of the Defence Helicopter Flying School (DHFS) at RAF Shawbury, said staff had been looking forward to welcoming the Prince into the RAF.

He said: “The RAF is very proud of its links with the Royal family and all involved are looking forward to welcoming Flight Lieutenant Wales into the Royal Air Force.”

By Deborah Collins