PRINCE William will spend the next eight months on Anglesey as he looks to complete his training as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot.
The 27-year-old heir to the throne will use the training facilities at RAF Valley as he learns to pilot the Sea King helicopters used in rescue operations across the UK.
He will begin his second round of helicopter training on Anglesey, having completed the first part of his pilot training at RAF Shawbury near Shrewsbury last year.
The course should run until September, after which the Prince will hope to go on to a full time posting at one of the UK’s six specialist search and rescue teams.
The training begins with an six-week search and rescue training unit, as well as training on Griffin and Sea King helicopters, and will finish with a series of intensive exercises testing the recruits’ new skills in the summer.
The training will become the Prince's top priority over the coming months, with royal duties factored in around his training.
RAF Valley provides the UK’s only search and rescue training facilities, giving specialist training to the UK’s search and rescue helicopter squadrons.
The rugged Snowdonia landscape and varied coastline give North Wales ideal conditions for search and rescue training.
The Prince visited RAF Valley in 2005 for two weeks on a work experience programme, and also spent time on Anglesey last year on a familiarisation course as part of the search and rescue training.