**Prince William Reflects on His Past as a Search and Rescue Pilot: ‘I Long for Those Days’**

During his final day in Cape Town, South Africa, Prince William took a nostalgic trip down memory lane, recalling his days as a search and rescue helicopter pilot.

The Prince of Wales was engaged with local volunteers from the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI), where he learned about their heroic efforts to save lives at sea.

On November 7, while interacting with the NSRI team, William asked them what motivated their commitment to such challenging work.

As he prepared to board a lifeboat, he playfully inquired about the sea conditions, quipping about needing extra gear to stay dry.

“It's quite breezy today!

How rough are the waves?”

he joked, showcasing his light-hearted spirit amidst serious discussions.

As he embarked on the lifeboat, he expressed his yearning for the thrill of rescue missions.

When asked about his experiences in search and rescue, he candidly remarked, “I miss this life.

If there's any chance to return, I'd gladly take it.” This sentiment highlighted his deep connection to the demanding yet rewarding nature of the job.

William's journey as a search and rescue pilot began at RAF Valley in Anglesey, North Wales, where he trained from 2010 to 2013.

Following that, he served with the East Anglian Air Ambulance from March 2015 until July 2017, racking up invaluable experience in emergency situations.

During his visit, he also took time to connect with well-wishers who had gathered to greet him.

Expressing his fondness for South Africa, he said, “Cape Town has been incredible!

I've had a fantastic week here, and I really don't want to leave!”

His enthusiasm for the warm reception was palpable.

Arriving in South Africa on November 4, Prince William participated in several events, including hosting the Earthshot Prize Awards on November 6.

He had four packed days filled with engagements before his departure, immersing himself in the local culture and community.

As he walked among the crowd, he mentioned how much his children would enjoy being there with him.

“My kids would absolutely love it here — so would Kate,” he shared, referring to his wife and their three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis.

In another touching moment, Prince William revealed his current efforts to teach his children about ocean safety, particularly rip tides.

“We're trying to educate them about currents,” he explained, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of these natural phenomena and the importance of awareness.

He further emphasized the significance of swimming lessons, stating, “Given that the U.K. is surrounded by water, knowing how to swim is essential.

It's a vital skill that could save your life one day.” His commitment to educating his children reflects his dedication to safety and preparedness.

Looking back at his service, Prince William recalled his tenure as Lieutenant Wales in C Flight, 22 Squadron, where he participated in numerous rescue operations.

Over three years, he was involved in 156 missions, including deployments to challenging locations like the Falkland Islands.

While he cherishes those memories, he also recognizes the emotional toll the work can take.

In a previous discussion on Apple Fitness+'s Time to Walk, he opened up about the mental health challenges he faced during his time as a pilot.

“From the moment I began my training, I knew it was something special.

I loved it,” he said, revealing how much the role meant to him.

The intense nature of the job exposed him to heartbreaking scenarios, witnessing families in distress.

These experiences have shaped his focus on mental health advocacy, a cause that has become integral to his royal duties.

He acknowledged the stigma surrounding mental health issues and stressed the importance of open conversations about them.

As he wrapped up his trip to South Africa, Prince William participated in a heartfelt interview where he described 2024 as a particularly challenging year for him.

“It has been brutal and perhaps the toughest year of my life,” he admitted, showing a vulnerable side that resonates with many facing their struggles.