As Prince William approaches the end of his current tour of duty as a Royal Air Force helicopter search and rescue pilot, he faces tough decisions over what to do next. He will no doubt be taking into account the fact that he and Kate Middleton are due to become parents in July. "It's a big watershed moment – whether or not he stays in the services or whether a dynamic role can be created for him," Robert Lacey, the Queen's biographer and historian, told People. An official announcement from palace officials regarding the Duke of Cambridge's future plans is expected in the next few weeks. It won't be an easy decision for the prince to make who explained during an upcoming BBC programme that there is "no greater feeling" than saving lives.
William, who is known as Lieutenant Wales at work, speaks openly about his job in the new documentary, Helicopter Rescue. "I don't think there's any greater calling in life," he said. "To be able to see a son or daughter's face when you bring their mother or father back from the edge of death – it's quite powerful." The 30-year-old prince is presented with several career options. He could stay in the RAF, go back to the Household Cavalry which was the original regiment he joined or he may even leave the military entirely. Royal commentators believe that the latter is the most likely option and that he will do so in order to take on more royal duties. Given his wealth and fortunate position, he could follow in the footsteps of his parents Prince Charles and Princess Diana and dedicate more of his time to charity work. Leaving his job at RAF Valley would mean moving away from the Isle of Anglesey, the peaceful haven that he and the Duchess of Cambridge have called home since 2010. The young royals have rented a secluded farmhouse there and enjoyed the slower pace of life, taking their cocker spaniel Lupo for long walks and visiting local pubs.
With William busy at work, Kate, who is almost six months pregnant, is "finally getting a chance to enjoy her pregnancy" according to an insider. The 31-year-old is reportedly spending time preparing Apartment 1A of Kensington Palace, the home that she will share with husband Prince William and their new arrival, when they move later this year. The mum-to-be has been sorting out decorating supplies for the 21-room apartment, according to reports. "It's a fabulous time," the source added. Their future London home is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment, estimated to be costing £1m. The four-storey home includes a nursery , staff quarters and a private walled garden. A country retreat is on the cards for the couple too. Royal officials were recently granted permission to carry out a series of renovations on Anmer Hall, a ten-bedroom property housed in the Queen's Sandringham estate. The house has been marked as a possible country retreat for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. The approved changes provide the house with greater privacy and security and include re-routing of the driveway, extensive tree planting to shield the property, and plans to expand accommodation, perhaps for the couple's protection officers.
