Prince William Earns Pilot Stripes

Brits now have the opportunity to be rescued by a prince: In a ceremony Friday, Prince William received his certificate to fly helicopter rescue missions. He will now join a four-man rescue crew, initially as a co-pilot, flying a Sea King helicopter on rescue missions throughout the U.K. The Royal Air Force insisted that no concessions were made to the prince, and that he passed the 19-month program on merit. Says William, "The course has been challenging, but I have enjoyed it immensely. I absolutely love flying, so it will be an honor to serve operationally with the search and rescue force, helping to provide such a vital emergency service." But beware: The RAF issued a warning that any false emergency calls in order to see the prince would be stuck with a bill in the tens of thousands of pounds.