The Prince and East Anglia Air Ambulance

The Prince of Wales worked as an air ambulance pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) between March 2015 and July 2017, where he flew Helicopter Emergency Medical Service missions.

After completing an initial period job-specific training involving simulator, aircraft and in-flight skills training, began piloting missions for East Anglian Air Ambulance in July 2015.

The Prince was based out of Cambridge Airport, as part of a team including specialist doctors, critical care paramedics and pilots providing emergency medical services across Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk and Suffolk. 

EAAA helicopters can reach patients anywhere in the region within 25 minutes. They provide rapid, effective treatment as soon as possible after injury, and transport patients directly to hospital if required.  Regular landing areas for EAAA helicopters include residential gardens, carparks, beaches, roadsides, and any open space deemed possible by the pilot. Last year, the East Anglian Ambulance attended 1,785 missions from its two bases at Norwich and Cambridge.

The Prince attained a number of professional qualifications during his training to fly HEMS missions. 

The job built on The Prince’s operational experience in the Royal Air Force Search and Rescue Force, which His Royal Highness completed in September 2013. During this time, he undertook more than 150 search and rescue operations. 

In January 2017, Kensington Palace announced of Cambridge would be completing his work with the EAAA. He reported for his last shift with the organisation on 15 July 2017.

It has been a huge privilege to fly with the East Anglian Air Ambulance. 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.

I would like to thank the people of East Anglia for being so supportive of my role and for letting me get on with the job when they have seen me in the community or at our region's hospitals. I would especially like to thank all of my colleagues at EAAA, Babcock, and Cambridge Airport for their friendship and support. 

I have loved being part of a team of professional, talented people that save lives every day. My admiration for our country's medical and emergency services community could not be any stronger.

His Royal Highness has continued to support air ambulance services over the years and is Patron of both London’s Air Ambulance Charity and the Wales Air Ambulance.

In June 2023, The Prince invited a road crash survivor who was saved by the East Anglian Air Ambulance in 2015 to Windsor Castle. Jack Beeton, who was left with life-threatening injuries after a horrific road incident, was reunited with the crew who attended the scene – including His Royal Highness.