Prince William To The Rescue In The Falkland Islands

When last we heard here on the blog of Prince William‘s military duties, he was newly married and already BACK to work as a RAF military pilot. Today we learn that he is back to work, again, on a very special mission. In celebration (?) of the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War, Great Britain has sent a fleet of military ships to the region to mark the occasion. Apparently, Argentina isn’t happy about it … but Prince William will be there to keep the peace! Click below to check out photos of the young prince in military action.

Simmering diplomatic tensions between Britain and Argentina have not deterred the Government from planning a series of high-profile events to mark the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War. The celebrations include a visit by a Foreign Office Minister, a new memorial to the Falklands victims and a service at St Paul's Cathedral – all against the backdrop of growing anger in Buenos Aires, partly fuelled by Prince William's deployment to the disputed territory. Wars are more usually celebrated on their 25th, 50th and 75th anniversaries. However, it is understood the decision to turn the 30th anniversary of the Falklands War into a major commemoration was taken partly as a mark of respect to Margaret Thatcher, who led Britain to victory as Prime Minister. It was hoped Lady Thatcher, 86, would be able to take part in the events. However, she has been forced to give up her public appearances due to frail health. Last week, the Argentine government was angered when it was announced that HMS Dauntless was being sent to the South Atlantic. The new Type 45 destroyer is armed with a battery of missiles which, in the words of one Royal Navy source, could 'take out all of South America's fighter aircraft, let alone those of Argentina'. Just hours later, Prince William arrived in the Falklands, although officials confirmed he will not be completing any ceremonial duties while on the islands but is there purely in his role with the RAF. The Prince began his duties as a search-and-rescue Sea King helicopter pilot yesterday. It was a low-key start for Flight Lieutenant Wales, who spent the first shift of his six-week tour being briefed on the challenging flying conditions. Yesterday it was also revealed a nuclear submarine would be deployed to the Falklands, reviving sensitivities over the sinking of the Argentine cruiser General Belgrano.

Hmmm … it sounds like this celebration could be dicey in diplomatic terms but my guess is that everything will go off without a hitch. Now that Prince William is on the scene to ensure that everyone stays in line, I’m sure the whole celebration will be a smashing success.

[Source]