The Prince of Wales has revealed his favourite view in the UK: a panorama overlooking Newborough Forest towards the beach and Ynys Llanddwyn in Anglesey. He made the selection during an interview for Country Life magazine, for which he guest edited a commemorative issue.
William remarked that he would "struggle to find a better view anywhere in the country". The vista is instantly recognisable to anyone from north Wales.
A Special Place in Wales
Prince William and Kate have never concealed their affection for their "special place" in Wales, where they embarked on family life together. The Prince and Princess of Wales lived on the secluded Bodorgan Estate on Anglesey while William was stationed at RAF Valley, serving as a Search and Rescue helicopter pilot.
It was the royal couple's first home together following their wedding in 2011, and it's where Prince George was brought up after his birth in 2013. During a subsequent royal visit to the island, Kate told Group Captain Steve Bentley and his wife Fyona: "It was such a special time for us. It was the start of our life together really."
William's Fond Memories
William went further still, describing it as the most "beautiful" place he had ever known, reports North Wales Live. The heir to the throne said: "I know that I speak for Catherine when I say I have never in my life known somewhere as beautiful and as welcoming as Anglesey. This island has been our first home together, and it will always be an immensely special place for us both."
William once more looked back on his period residing on the island while serving as an RAF helicopter pilot: "I loved the job and I loved flying across this kind of landscape."
Life After Anglesey
After leaving the island with an infant Prince George, they moved to Kensington Palace, with William declaring he and his wife would "miss it terribly". The future King completed a three-year posting with the Search and Rescue Force and, while stationed at RAF Valley in Anglesey, undertook 156 search and rescue operations leading to 149 people being rescued, before departing the Armed Forces in 2013.
He subsequently worked as a helicopter pilot with the East Anglian Air Ambulance, conducting missions for two years before standing down in July 2017 to concentrate on his royal responsibilities. The prince, during a visit to his former colleagues in 2015, said: "I miss the Search and Rescue - glory days. I miss the Sea King flying around, because when I hear it, that noise, as it flies past."
