A Prince and a ‘copter

Here at the Oakeley Arms, we think we’re pretty lucky to live and work in such a fabulous part of the country, but the beautiful coastline and dramatic peaks are not without their hazards. The RAF Sea King helicopters are often a common sight across North Wales as the bright yellow machines  rush to rescue people in trouble at land or sea. And right here in North Wales is home to one of the UK’s most well-known helicopter rescue pilots – Prince William, Duke of Cambridge.

The helicopters are run by the RAF Search & Rescue teams, which were first established in 1941 when soldiers and crew fighting during the war needed help with helicopter rescue missions. Although the main remit of the RAF Search & Rescue is to use the helicopter rescue for military purposes, they also help with civilian missions – mountain helicopter rescue or sea searches for example.

RAF Search & Rescue helicopter

The RAF Search & Rescue headquarters are at the RAF Valley base, on the island of Anglesey, a little stone’s throw from the Oakeley Arms Hotel. So, when Prince William, who is second in line to the British throne, completed his RAF training, he was based there and in June 2012 became a Sea King Helicopter pilot in charge. Prince William now lives on Anglesey with his new wife Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge (but despite all the cricky necks we’ve had from trying to spot the prince in his ‘copter, we’ve yet to succeed!).

The BBC were lucky enough to get behind the scenes of a day in the life of Prince William and follow him in a professional capacity, away from  royal duties and privileges. It’s the first time a camera crew has been allowed access to the prince at work, and against the backdrop of some stunning Welsh scenery, the series makes for fascinating viewing.

Don’t miss it tonight – BBC One Wales at 20:30 http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-22046575