Prince William reflects on ‘leading two different lives’ as he opens up about blocking loved ones from ‘who you are’
Prince William served in the East Anglian Air Ambulance for two years.
Prince William has got candid about being an emergency responder before taking on royal duties full time as he revealed it can sometimes feel like you're leading “two different lives”.
- The Duke of Cambridge worked in the East Anglia Air Ambulance service for two years before becoming a full-time royal.
- In a new video, Prince William chatted to two emergency responders about their experiences and revealed how you can end up “blocking your loved ones out”.
- This royal news comes as Kate Middleton ‘determined’ to ‘fight back’ amid BBC controversy.
In a new video shared on the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s YouTube channel, Prince William chatted with emergency responders Will and Chloe about mental health and support. Despite being second in the royal line of succession, he served as an emergency responder himself in the East Anglia Air Ambulance service and has previously recalled being traumatized for “weeks on end” during his pilot days.
The film was played at a Symposium on November 25th, attended by 200 leaders from across fire, ambulance, police, and search and rescue to address the mental health of their workforces. During their discussion, emergency responder Will spoke out about how often it’s “very difficult” for family members to process why they wouldn’t want to talk about what they’d experienced there and then.
Prince William agreed, going on to explain how in compartmentalising work and home life in this way, emergency responders like he once was often end up leading “two different lives”.
“People want to protect their families and their loved ones from, you know, horrendous and horrible and very sad things, but you’re leading two different lives,” he declared. “And you’re blocking your loved ones out from a very important part of who you are and who you’re becoming.”
The Duke of Cambridge then expressed his belief that more training is needed in order to help emergency responders manage this element of their work.
“So there’s nothing in the training to really promote that is there?” he asked Will and Chloe. “We’re meant to individually adapt and so it depends on what your background is. You might not have the toolbox you need to deal with all these things. So, you know, we need the training and we need the education to help.”
Sign up for the woman&home newsletter
Sign up to our free daily email for the latest royal and entertainment news, interesting opinion, expert advice on styling and beauty trends, and no-nonsense guides to the health and wellness questions you want answered.
In a heartbreaking moment, Prince William also went on to explain how when he was an Air Ambulance pilot from 2015-2017, any call-out that involved children hugely affected him. He expressed his belief that it did so more than it might’ve done had he not been a proud father-of-three.
“There were a number of times where I was just getting too involved in it and feeling it,” he said. “Going to talk to someone else after the event was really important but it continues. It doesn’t leave you there, you just manage it better.”
The Duke feels privileged to work with the Air Ambulance Service #NAAW2016 pic.twitter.com/0GM9XUAlgySeptember 20, 2016
Prince William went on to retire from the East Anglia Air Ambulance service in 2017 as he prepares for his future role as king. Despite the many challenging moments he's experienced throughout his time with the service, it's one he remains steadfastly proud of.
In a statement on the Royal Family's official website, Prince William declared, "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."
Emma is a Royal Editor with eight years experience working in publishing. Her specialist areas include the British Royal Family, ranging from protocol to outfits. Alongside putting her royal knowledge to good use, Emma knows all there is to know about the latest TV shows on the BBC, ITV and more. When she’s not writing about the next unmissable show to add to your to-watch list or delving into royal protocol, Emma enjoys cooking, long walks and watching yet more crime dramas!
-
I tried the Spotlight Oral Care Sonic toothbrush - here's why I'll recommend the budget-friendly buy to friends in 2024
The Spotlight Oral Care Sonic toothbrush offers more for your money than some of the big brands, with 30 to 50,000 brush strokes a minute
By Caramel Quin Published
-
These are 32 of the best foods to eat before a workout, whatever your gym goals
Power yourself through exercise with the best foods to eat before a workout
By Lauren Clark Published
-
Prince William just revealed the sweetest detail about Prince Louis
Prince William spoke with volunteers about his youngest son’s favourite sport
By Jess Bacon Published
-
Recent weeks 'precious' for Kate Middleton with 'country walks and snuggles in front of the TV' with George, Charlotte and Louis
The Prince and Princess of Wales have been able to relish in precious family time over the Easter break, according to a royal expert
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
32 sweet pictures of Prince William and Kate Middleton with their children
There's nothing better than an adorable moment between the Prince and Princess of Wales and their children
By Jack Slater Published
-
32 candid pictures of the Wales family, from world tours to family days out
Whether it's quality time with one of their children or all five of them out together, we love these candid photos of the Waleses
By Jack Slater Published
-
Carole Middleton's 'low-key' pub trip with Prince William as she continues to be Catherine's 'rock'
The future King and his mother-in-law were reportedly spotted enjoying a visit to the local
By Caitlin Elliott Published
-
The best candid pictures of the Prince and Princess of Wales having a great time together
The Prince and Princess of Wales aren't just man and wife - they're best friends who always have a fun time together
By Jack Slater Published
-
The 32 funniest candid Royal Family balcony moments
We look back at some of the best candid royal family balcony moments from across the years
By Elena Kiratzi Published
-
Prince William and Kate Middleton’s ‘humble’ accessories ‘uplift’ their royal homes in the most affordable way
We’re impressed with Prince William and Kate Middleton’s clever use of fresh flowers and plants to ‘uplift’ the senses for ‘minimal cost’
By Emma Shacklock Published