Prince William was joined by a surprise guest as he insepcted a brand new air ambulance helicopter - just hours after his estranged brother Prince Harry made a rare UK appearance. The Prince of Wales is patron of the London Air Ambulance charity which launched its Up Against Time appeal to fund two new helicopters for its service. And he was joined by David Beckham to view the new helicopters and meet pilots and medical crew at RAF Northolt this morning.
Former air ambulance pilot William was seen showing Becks around the cockpit and controls before they chatted to patients treated by the air ambulance crews, posed for selfies and even left a lasting mark on one of the helicopters by signing it. However, predicted bad weather forced the cancellation of the delivery flight of one of the helicopters, the prince was due to join, from the military airfield to the Royal London Hospital. The new helicopters come following a successful multimillion-pound fundraising appeal.
In August, William hailed the announcement the money had been raised, posting on X: "Fantastic News! This is going to have a life-saving impact. A huge thank you to everyone who donated W." Hollywood star Tom Cruise and Arsenal football club manager Mikel Arteta were among the guests at a gala fundraising dinner in February for the charity’s appeal.
The prince attended the event and in a speech highlighted the urgency of the cause: "Here in London, the current aircraft have served magnificently. But our capital.