Prince William Starts New Job As Helicopter Rescue Pilot As Duchess Kate Steps Up Parenting Duties

Prince William is starting his new job as a high-flying life-saver, one that will put Duchess Kate on the spot to raise the couple’s growing kids.

William started work Monday as a pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance service, where he will fly rescue missions in an area around Cambridge. The second in line for the British throne said he was feeling a bit nervous on his first day, which started at 7 a.m.

“It’s my first day and I’m feeling the nerves,” William said, via the BBC. “We’re starting off on a wet Cambridge day, but I’m really looking forward to getting started.”

The new job will also afford Prince William a bit of time time with wife, Duchess Kate Middleton, and his two young children, Prince George and Princess Charlotte. The prince will have four days on and four days off.

But the new job means that more duties will fall to Duchess Kate, who William said has been amazing in raising two kids under the age of 2.

“She’s been a little joy of heaven but at the same time, it is more responsibility looking after two little ones, especially when (her older brother) George is around,” William said, via CNN. “He’s a little monkey. But it’s fantastic having a little family. I’m so thrilled. Catherine has been doing an amazing job as a mother and I’m very proud of her.”

Despite the pressure, Prince Williams said he was looking forward to the new job and the challenges it would bring.

“Obviously at some point there is going to be a lot more pressure and responsibility from the other side of my life, but at the moment I’m juggling the two of them and a young family and I’m enjoying the challenge,” he said.

“It’s a follow-on from where I was with the military search and rescue with many of the same sorts of skills, so it was a natural progression.”

Prince Williams has plenty of experience in the air, flying more than 150 rescue missions as part of the elite Sea King rescue crew in the RAF.

Even as Prince William is starting his new job, he still has royal duties to attend to. The prince’s work schedule will accommodate some time for him to attend royal functions, reports noted.

Despite the difficult nature of the work, Prince William won’t be taking a paycheck for his new job. The royal palace said he will be donating his entire salary to charity.

[Picture by WPA Pool / Getty Images]