In a remarkably candid revelation, the Prince of Wales has shared the profound emotional impact of his time as an air ambulance pilot, describing how the traumatic experiences continue to resonate with him years later.
The future King served with the East Anglian Air Ambulance between 2015 and 2017, a period he now acknowledges left deep psychological scars from witnessing harrowing emergency situations.
The Weight of Responsibility
"There are traumatic experiences that you deal with on a daily basis," Prince William confessed during his recent visit to Newcastle. "The weight of what you're dealing with, the lives in your hands - it stays with you."
His emotional disclosure came during a visit to the RE:BOOT initiative in the North East, a programme specifically designed to support emergency services personnel struggling with psychological trauma.
Breaking the Stigma
The Prince emphasised the critical importance of mental health support for frontline workers, noting that many still hesitate to seek help due to perceived stigma.
"We need to normalise conversations about mental health," he stressed. "For too long, there's been this idea that if you work in emergency services, you should just be able to handle anything."
Personal Connection to the Cause
William's commitment to mental health advocacy is deeply personal, shaped not only by his air ambulance experience but also by his mother's legacy. Princess Diana's groundbreaking work in destigmatising mental health issues continues to inspire his approach.
During the visit, he shared warm moments with programme participants, listening intently to their stories of overcoming trauma and rebuilding their lives.
A Royal Mission Continues
The Prince's work through The Royal Foundation continues to champion mental health awareness, with particular focus on those serving in high-stress professions. His honest reflections about his own struggles serve to break down barriers and encourage others to seek support.
As he continues his royal duties, William brings this hard-won understanding to his engagements, offering genuine empathy to those facing similar challenges.
