Prince William quits pilot job to become full-time royal

After joining Britain’s armed forces from 2006, Williams will finish up his duties with the air ambulance with a night shift from 4.30 pm London time.

Britain's Prince William will retire from official public duties on Thursday to step up and become a full time royal.

After joining Britain's armed forces from 2006, Williams will finish up his duties with the air ambulance with a night shift from 4.30 pm London time.

After completing an initial period of job-specific training involving simulator, aircraft and in-flight skills, Prince William began piloting his first operational missions in July 2015.

The 35-year-old prince, the second-in-line to the throne after his father, Charles, announced in January he would quit his role as a pilot with the East Anglia Air Ambulance to take more of the official roles relinquished by Queen Elizabeth.

"Following on from my time in the military, I have had experiences in this job I will carry with me for the rest of my life, and that will add a valuable perspective to my royal work for decades to come," he said reports Reuters.

William is moving with wife Kate, and children George and Charlotte from Anmer Hall, their country mansion on the queen's Sandringham estate in eastern England, to Kensington Palace, their official London residence.

Before his final shift, William was described as "not only a fantastic pilot, but a much loved and valued member of the crew" by Patrick Peal, chief executive of the East Anglian Air Ambulance, reports AFP.