Read to find out the reason why Prince William didn't enter the war zone during his service.
Both Prince William and Prince Harry served in the British military. Prince William served as a helicopter pilot in the Royal Air Force Search and Rescue Force for three years before transitioning to the East Anglian Air Ambulance.
That being said, there was a particular reason why Prince William had to hold back on his service compared to Prince Harry.
Prince William's service
Prince William served in the British military as a helicopter pilot in the Royal Air Force (RAF) Search and Rescue Force from 2009 to 2013. During his time in the RAF, he flew as a co-pilot and later as a pilot in a Sea King search and rescue helicopter, participating in numerous rescue operations across the UK. In addition to his search and rescue duties, Prince William also trained in other areas, including maritime operations and helicopter tactics.
After his time in the RAF, Prince William transitioned to the East Anglian Air Ambulance, serving as a pilot from 2015 to 2017. During his time with the air ambulance, he flew missions to transport critically ill patients to hospitals across East Anglia. Prince William's military service was praised for his dedication to duty, professionalism, and bravery.
In recognition of his military service, Prince William was awarded several honors, including the Queen's Golden Jubilee Medal and the Diamond Jubilee Medal. He also holds the rank of Honorary Air Commandant in the Royal Air Force Air Cadets and is the Royal Patron of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
Prince Harry's service
Prince Harry served in the British military for ten years, from 2005 to 2015, rising to the rank of Captain. He trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and was commissioned into the Household Cavalry Regiment.
In 2007, Prince Harry served in Afghanistan as a forward air controller, calling in air strikes on Taliban positions. He returned to Afghanistan in 2012 as an Apache helicopter pilot, flying combat missions against the Taliban.
Prince Harry's military service was highly praised, and he was awarded several honors, including the Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal.
In addition to his combat duties, Prince Harry also took part in ceremonial duties as a member of the royal family, including the Trooping the Colour and the State Opening of Parliament.
The Queen's decision
According to the ex-Army chief General Sir Mike Jackson, the late Queen Elizabeth II expressed a desire for Princes William and Harry to fight for their country against the Taliban in Afghanistan. However, after weighing the risks involved, the Queen ultimately decided it was too dangerous to send future King William to a war zone.
She [the Queen] was very clear. 'My grandsons have taken my shilling, therefore they must do their duty,' she said. And that was that. But it was decided that William as heir to the heir, the risk is too great. But for his younger brother, the risk was acceptable.
Despite not being allowed to serve in a combat role, Prince William has always been a strong supporter of the military and its personnel. He has visited troops on active duty, hosted events to honor their service, and supported numerous charities that benefit military families.
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