Prince William has agreed to become the Patron of the SAS Regimental Association, a charity supporting the welfare of serving and former members of Britain's elite special forces. The 43-year-old heir to the throne privately agreed to the role in recent meetings, marking a significant boost for the regiment's morale.
The SAS Regimental Association, founded in 1945, provides financial and welfare support to around 5,000 members and their families. Military sources confirmed that Prince William, who trained at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, is a huge supporter of the SAS and its covert operations defending the UK against terrorism.
A military source told the Daily Mirror: 'Prince William has visited the SAS recently and was delighted to accept becoming Patron of the Association. This is a very proud appointment and he will be a fantastic ambassador for the organisation.' The Prince has reportedly expressed great pride in representing the troops and ensuring their achievements and family welfare are recognised.
It is believed William is the first royal to directly become patron of the SAS Association, although Princess Anne is patron of the Special Forces Club. The SAS is famous for operations such as the 1980 Iranian Embassy siege, where troops rescued 19 hostages in a 17-minute raid.
