Prince William puts wedding plans on hold for RAF career

London, September 16 : Prince William has put on hold his wedding thoughts with his girlfriend, Kate Middleton, to serve in the Royal Air Force.

The 26-year-old Wills' military service was due to end in December but his decision to become full-time Search and Rescue pilot with the RAF will delay his marriage plans for at least two years.

"From January he will start an intensive 18-month training period at RAF Kinross in Scotland," the Sun quoted a royal source, as saying.

"This rules out him marrying any time before the summer of 2010. It may not be what the public wants to hear, but the champagne must stay on ice for now," the source added.

On completing his training successfully, the future king will then move on to a three-year operational stint on Sea King helicopters.

"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." The Sun quoted him as saying.

Flying Officer Wales, as the Prince will be known, can expect to earn around 30,000 pounds as a pilot, working 24hour shifts dealing with mostly civilian emergencies across the country.

ANI