King Charles offers Prince Andrew 'perfect lifeline' with new job and competitive salary
Prince Andrews could be handed the "perfect" opportunity to make his Royal comeback with King Charles on the lookout for a new top-notch helicopter pilot. The role comes with enticing perks and a "competitive" salary.
The Duke of York stepped back from public duties five years ago but the role could be the "perfect way" for him to re-enter public life. That is the suggestion of Royal expert Richard Eden who made the humorous suggestion in his Daily Mail newspaper column, reports GloucestershireLive.
Prince Andrew could be a fitting candidate given his background as a helicopter pilot and warship captain in the Royal Navy, where he served in the Falklands War aboard HMS Invincible. The position would involve flying royals across the UK for their royal duties.
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The job listing from the Royal Household is seeking an "experienced multi-engine helicopter commander" to join the ranks of The King's Helicopter Flight (TKHF), a small team providing top-tier helicopter travel for the Royal Family. The advert specifies the need for "extensive flying experience in multi-engine helicopters" and expects applicants to exhibit "high levels of initiative, pro-activity and problem-solving capability".
The job advert is seeking an individual with "excellent communication and interpersonal skills" and a knack for fostering a "actively promote a safe, open and honest working culture". Those interested in the role have until 23.55 on November 3 to submit their applications, with the position offering a "generous benefits package", complimentary lunches, and an "excellent" pension scheme. It reads: "The King's Helicopter Flight (TKHF) consists of a small team of pilots and ground support staff who provide an exceptional helicopter travel service to Members of the Royal Family undertaking official engagements across the UK."
In a 2024 report by the Express, it was revealed that Prince Andrew and his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth, were keen on him serving on the front line during the Falklands conflict, despite some Cabinet members' preference for a desk job.
According to Robert McGowan of the Express, Andrew daringly piloted a helicopter near HMS Invincible, drawing Argentine jets' fire to divert missiles away from the ship, reports the Scottish Daily Express. He also co-piloted a Sea King helicopter in a critical rescue mission for sailors from the SS Atlantic Conveyor, which had been struck by Exocet missiles, an experience he later described as the "most frightening moment of my war".
The Falklands War erupted in 1982 following the landing of Argentine forces on the British overseas territory, long claimed by Buenos Aires. Andrew reportedly flew a helicopter behind Invincible amid attacking Argentine jets in an effort to" make the missiles swerve towards the helicopter instead of the ship", according to the Express's Robert McGowan.
The conflict resulted in the loss of 907 lives – 649 Argentinian soldiers, 255 British military personnel, and three Falkland Islanders.