Prince William just earned his helicopter “wings” a few weeks ago and he’s already making headlines for questionable maneuvers.
Personally, I think the entire brouhaha is quite humorous.
According to British newspapers, Princess Diana’s first born was out flying a 90-foot, twin-rotor, troop-carrying Chinook last week when he decided to swing by his girlfriend’s parent’s house and show off a bit. The News of the World is reporting that William successfully maneuvered his helicopter in a field behind gal pal Kate Middleton’s parent’s home while she and her folks looked on.
According to reports, the prince was only on the ground for 20 seconds before lifting off again, but it was long enough to earn him criticism from fellow Brits who say the move was a waste of taxpayers’ money. The News of the World called William a “show off” and ran the headline: “Outrage as Wills Lands in Kate’s Garden.”
It made me chuckle.
I mean c’mon. Here’s a 25-year-old guy who obviously is extremely proud that he knows how to fly and wanted to impress his future wife and her parents.
Furthermore, what girl wouldn’t go gaga having the future King land on her parent’s property?
More importantly, how many girls have parents that have yards large enough to accommodate 90-foot, twin-rotor helicopters nicknamed “Flying Beasts”?
Critics may call it showing off, I call it young love… and the Ministry of Defense calls it routine training.
Military officials were quick to come to William’s aid after the media got wind of his visit to the Middleton’s saying the landing was “authorized and planned” and part of the prince’s ongoing instruction.
Officials did the same when critics took aim at William earlier this month. According to reports, the prince took a Chinook, picked up his brother Prince Harry and flew to their cousin’s bachelor party on the Isle of Wight. The Ministry of Defense said that too was a routine flight that achieved part of William’s required flight training (a low flight over London and a flight over water).
Who are we kidding here? This guy is going to rule England some day. Who is going to stand in his way if he wants to borrow a helicopter and fly it anywhere he pleases?