William's letter thanks air search team volunteers

PA Media Prince William looks into the distance at an event while wearing a dark blazer and a light blue shirt. He has a short beard covering his lower face. He is stood in front of a white wall.PA Media
The Prince of Wales said the Channel Islands Air Search team provided vital 'eyes in the sky'

The Prince of Wales has written a letter in which he praised a Channel Islands search and rescue team for its "extraordinary professionalism".

The letter to the volunteer-run Channel Islands Air Search thanked the crew for keeping "4,000 sq miles (10,630 sq km) of waters safe for those who use them".

Prince William added the crew acted as "eyes in the sky" and referred to his own experience as a search and rescue helicopter pilot.

The charity provides airborne support for search and rescue operations with its plane, Lion's Pride.

'Commitment and dedication'

In his letter, the prince wrote: "You fly in challenging circumstances - a busy area for shipping and leisure craft with very changeable weather conditions - and it is clear the coastguard and search and rescue units rely greatly on your 'eyes in the sky'.

"To continue to fly Lion's Pride and provide this service on a voluntary basis - at no charge - is a testament to your extraordinary professionalism, commitment as volunteers and your dedication to search and rescue."

Channel Islands Air Search A red and white plane used by the Channel Islands Air Search team flying on a sunny and cloud free day over the Channel Islands.Channel Islands Air Search
Channel Islands Air Search said it was honoured to receive the letter

In response to the letter the team said: "We were honoured to receive a letter from Prince William, acknowledging our dedication and contributions to the Channel Islands' land and waters.

"Supporting the search and rescue community remains our highest priority and at the heart of everything we do."

Prince William served as an RAF search and rescue pilot for three years in Anglesey between 2010 and 2013, carrying out 156 search and rescue operations, resulting in 149 people being rescued, according to the Ministry of Defence.

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