Today marked a bittersweet milestone in Prince William‘s military career. The Duke completed his first official engagement following the birth of his son in Anglesey, Wales, where he and the Duchess of Cambridge have lived the past three or so years.
“This island has been our first home together, and it will always be an immensely special place for us both,” William said at the 2013 Anglesey Show. ”Catherine and I look forward to returning again and again over the coming years with our family.”
William announced that his operational tour with the RAF Search-and-Rescue force would come to an end next month, and today was William’s way of thanking Anglesey.
“I know that I speak for Catherine when I say that I have never in my life known somewhere as beautiful and as welcoming as Anglesey,” the Duke said.
“The views across the Menai Straits are undoubtedly among the most stunning in the British Isles. I know that both of us will miss it terribly when my Search and Rescue tour of duty comes to an end next month and we have to move elsewhere.”
Several well-wishers asked after Prince George, who was born on July 22nd at St. Mary’s Hospital in London. William was happy to oblige, joking about the baby’s huge set of lungs and the fact that, like most newborns, he’s not exactly getting eight hours of sleep a night.
“All we have got to do now is to get him to sleep through the night… Please,” William joked as he looked up at the sky, according to the Daily Mail.
William’s speech was not without a lighthearted reference to life as a new parent.
“I have to say that I thought Search and Rescue duties over Snowdonia were physically and mentally demanding, but looking after a three week-old baby is up there!” he told the crowds.
The Duke was gifted with several different items, ranging from baby clothes to toys. The Mail reported that one gentleman gave William a “Little Grey Fergie” 1954 tractor.
“George will love playing with this. And my brother will too!” William joked.
The Cambridges are expected to tour Australia in 2014, but Kensington Palace has told me that it’s “too early” to release information regarding next year’s diary.
For the full article by royal correspondent Kelly Lynch, click here.
