Prince William given patronage for cause he has very special relationship with
The Prince of Wales has become Patron of Wales Air Ambulance, a cause which has a very special relationship with the heir to the throne.
Kensington Palace has announced the new Patronage on the eve of St David's Day tomorrow and is the first Welsh patronage for The Prince since receiving the title of Prince of Wales.
Prince William previously served as an air ambulance pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance and has first-hand experience of the serious work first responders face when attempting to save the life of a critically ill patient.
The announcement came as the pair visited Wales
Ian Vogler/Daily Mirror
The Prince has previously opened up about his own mental health, revealing incidents involving children "really affected" him when he worked as an air ambulance pilot.
His Royal Highness is expected to use his new patronage to support emergency workers to look after their own mental health, something which has long been a passion for Prince William.
In 2021, the future King launched the Blue Light Together package of mental health support for emergency services workers.
Earlier today, William and Catherine met members of the Welsh Air Ambulance crew outside their headquarters' helipad in Llanelli, South Wales.
Their Royal Highnesses were also introduced to previous patients, including leg amputee Richard Jones.
Prince William and Princess Catherine officially opened a new Patient and Family Room that will be used by the Wales Air Ambulance Aftercare Service and unveiled a plaque commemorating the charity's 22nd birthday.
Sue Barnes, Chief Executive of the Wales Air Ambulance Charity, said: “The Prince has first-hand experience of working in the unique and often challenging air ambulance environment. His work, along with The Princess, in highlighting the need for mental health support for frontline emergency workers is something that is appreciated and wholeheartedly supported by our charity. We look forward to our new relationship with The Prince as our charity continues to support a lifesaving service for the people of Wales.”
The Prince of Wales previously served as an RAF Search and Rescue Pilot in Anglesey where he lived with Princess Catherine and their son, Prince George, as a young family until 2013.
Kensington Palace has confirmed His Royal Highness remains Patron of the London Air Ambulance.