The Duke of Cambridge is expected to leave his role as a helicopter pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance to take on full-time royal duties. Prince William is believed to have briefly extended his contract, which was due to end in March, before the family relocates to London in time for Prince George to start school.
The 34-year-old originally had a two-year contract with Bond Air Services, but he will reportedly continue to work as a part-time pilot over the summer before moving back to Kensington Palace.
© Photo: RexPrince William will reportedly leave his job as an air ambulance pilot this summer
A royal source told The Sunday Times that there had been "no pressure from above" for William to increase his duties, but he accepted that there would come a time when he needed to do so.
"He knew there would come a point where this would be his life for ever more," the source said. "He has always been a lot less reluctant than people think to take on more work and this phase of his life."
William and Kate reportedly considered keeping their children Prince George and Princess Charlotte based in Norfolk, with the Duchess staying there with them during the week, but decided they didn't want to spend so much time apart.
Prince William and Kate are expected to return to London with their two children
Instead they will permanently relocate to their apartment at Kensington Palace and, as HELLO! previously reported, the couple are said to be considering several London schools for Prince George. Possible schools include Wetherby Pre-Preparatory School, which both Princes William and Harry both attended.
Prince Charles is believed to have chosen the school for its close proximity to their London home, and according to Ken Wharfe, who was Prince William's bodyguard when he started at Wetherby, it would be an obvious choice for George too. The school has the motto 'Care, Share and Be Fair'.
"They were certainly very happy times for William and of course his brother," Ken told HELLO! magazine.
© Photo: RexPrince George may follow in his father's footsteps by attending Wetherby School
Prince William is expected to take on more work in the areas he is passionate about, including homelessness, mental health and conservation work. Kate is thought to be keen to step up her royal duties, too, and expand the work of the Royal Foundation she heads with William and Prince Harry.
They will also be taking on more charity work after it was announced that the Queen will step down from 25 of her nation organisation patronages by the end of 2016, passing them on to other members of the family.
It has been announced that Kate will take over the All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club (AELTC) Wimbledon, while Prince William is expected to take over the Welsh Rugby Union.
