Prince William: His career history in pictures

As the Duke of Cambridge begins training next month as an air ambulance helicopter pilot, before taking up a full time role next year, we take look back through the history of his military career.

2005

Prince William graduated at the University Of St Andrews in Scotland on June 15.

He received his 2:1 Master Of Arts Degree in geography at the university where he first met the Duchess Of Cambridge.

2006

After passing his Regular Commissions Board in October 2005, the Prince endured 44 weeks of Army Officer training with the Sandhurst Royal Military Academy in Camberley, Surrey.

During his training he was known as Officer Cadet Wales.

The Prince endured 44 weeks of Army Officer training at the Sandhurst Royal Military Academy. Credit: PA

His Royal Highness graduated from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, known as passing out, on December 15.

He took part in the Sovereign's Parade which was presided over by his grandmother the Queen, who was accompanied by The Duke of Edinburgh.

After completing his training, William was commissioned as an officer in the Household Cavalry and soon after was promoted to Second Lieutenant.

Prince Harry and The Duke of Edinburgh attended William's graduation at the Royal Military Academy. Credit: PA

2008

Prince William then went on to receive his RAF wings from his father Prince Charles at RAF Cranwell, after completing an intense 12-week flying training course.

The Duke became the fourth successive generation of the monarchy to become an RAF pilot.

Prince William receives his flying wings from his father Prince of Wales in 2008. Credit: PA

In October, Prince William was appointed Honorary Air Commandant of Royal Air Force Coningsby by his grandmother The Queen, in recognition of the strong links between the Royal Air Force and the Royal Family.

Prince William during pre-flight planning at RAF Linton-On-Ouse. Credit: Sgt Graham Sparks/MoD/PA Wire

2009

The Duke of Cambridge began training in January to become a Search and Rescue pilot.

Both Princes William and Harry were based at the home of the Defence Helicopter Flying School as they underwent military helicopter training courses.

William trained to become an RAF Search and Rescue pilot, while his brother Harry aimed to become a pilot with the Army Air Corps.

Both Princes William and Harry were based at the home of the Defence Helicopter Flying School as they underwent military helicopter training courses. Credit: PA

2010

In January, His Royal Highness successfully completed a 12 month course in advanced helicopter flying training at the Defence Helicopter Flying School based at RAF Shawbury.

The Duke of Cambridge joined C Flight, 22 Squadron as a Search and Rescue pilot at RAF Valley in Anglesey, north Wales, in September,

Prince William stands with his search and rescue crew, alongside their Sea King helicopter. Credit: PA

2012

In February, Flight Lieutenant Wales began a six-week operational deployment in the Falkland Islands.

He undertook Search and Rescue duties as part of a four man crew, providing cover for the aviation assets based on the island as well as offering assistance to shipping vessels and those in need of mountain rescue.

On June 7, Prince William qualified as an operational captain within the Search and Rescue Force.

The Prince on his return from his six-week operational deployment in the Falkland Islands. Credit: PA

2013

The Duke of Cambridge left operational service in the Armed Forces in September.

During his time at RAF Valley, The Duke undertook a total of 156 search and rescue operations, resulting in 149 people being rescued, and since joining the Royal Air Force he completed over 1,300 flying hours.

Prince William at the controls of his Sea King helicopter. Credit: PA

2014

The Duke of Cambridge is due to begin his training as an air ambulance pilot next month, before taking up a full time role next year, Kensington Palace has confirmed.

He will undergo a civilian pilot course followed by dedicated 999-response training.

If successful he will join the East Anglian Air Ambulance based at Cambridge Airport in spring next year.

The Duke of Cambridge at the controls of a Sea King helicopter. Credit: SAC Faye Storer/PA Wire

Read: Prince William to pilot helicopter air ambulance responding to emergencies like car crashes and heart attack victims