Tuesday, 16 September 2008

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Prince William 'delays wedding' as he signs up to RAF for another 5 years

Royal will join Search and Rescue Force

Prince William and Kate Middleton have been dating for 6 years

Prince William has announced his plans to remain with the RAF for another 5 years – which rules out any possible wedding to Kate Middleton next summer.

The royal is to spend 18 months training with the Search and Rescue Force, before becoming a full-time pilot for the next 3 years.

This means the earliest he could plan a wedding to Kate, 26, would be summer 2010.

‘It has been a real privilege to have spent the past year understanding and experiencing all aspects of the British Armed Forces,’ William says in a statement.

‘I now want to build on the experience and training I have received to serve operationally.

‘Joining Search and Rescue is a perfect opportunity for me to serve in the Forces operationally, while contributing to a vital part of the country’s emergency services.’

Wills, 26, who will be known as Flying Officer Wales, is expected to man Sea King helicopters on missions at sea and on mountain terrain.