Photos: Prince William in Caribbean disaster exercise
Prince William has embarked on the second phase of his training with the Royal Navy onboard the frigate HMS Iron Duke where he has been working with the local authorities of the British Dependent Territory Montserrat in an exercise that tested the island’s ability to cope with a major natural disaster such as a serious hurricane.
Prince William, known to those onboard Iron Duke as Sub Lieutenant William Wales, joined a number of the ship’s company as they formed teams to work with the local Montserrat authorities. The scenario assumed that a category five hurricane had hit Montserrat causing the collapse of the volcanic dome which sits atop the island’s active Soufriere Hills volcano.
Iron Duke’s captain, Commander Mark Newland, believes the exercise was a good opportunity to show the “broad range of skills a Royal Navy warship can bring to a disaster-ravaged island”, adding that he believes Sub Lt Wales was a natural leader:
“Sub Lieutenant Wales, as part of his remit on board, has been involved in the planning from the outset, and that’s primarily in developing a plan and understanding of the nature of the infrastructure on Montserrat. With Sub Lieutenant Wales, it’s reasonably easy – what you have is an army officer who understands a military context.
“He understands instinctively the business of command and where his teams fit in there. What I have seen is his ability to integrate very quickly into teams, whether it be at the command level or the very low tactical level. Being sent away with a small group to lead and conduct a particular task – that, to him, is second nature.”
Sub Lieutenant Wales, an officer in the Household Cavalry regiment, is halfway through a five-week stint on board HMS Iron Duke as part of a Royal Navy placement.
July 11th, 2008 07:22
Great that he’s back to his old shape! His face was fat since he join the Army.
Unfortunatelly, I guess many will say he was laughing too much for the occasion…
July 11th, 2008 07:37
Oh how cute, he looks good in all the Military uniforms.
July 11th, 2008 08:18
Daniel Craig look out!
Very nice pics!
July 11th, 2008 09:40
he’s still sooo cute!
July 11th, 2008 09:48
William looks nice with his uniform.
July 11th, 2008 15:24
Ked, whenever you can, I remember you said that you heard the rumor that KM – when she went to Whisky Bar the friday evening after Mandelas concert, someone had insulted her and had to be escorted to the car…
Have you heard the latest news about that new club, a model was raped by a guy that works there and was given some kind of ropinol drug ?
Anyway, I was wondering.
July 11th, 2008 16:46
That is awful! You have to be really careful not to let people buy you drinks and never leave your drink unattended. Men putting Rohibnol in womens drinks is very common and sometimes fatal.
July 11th, 2008 18:04
how come every time i try to post a likn to somepictures of chelsy it wont post it and it tells me it is invalid!!!!!!!!!!!!!
July 11th, 2008 18:18
Here’s a new Telegraph artical of what’s to come for William & Harry. It gives a bit of information.
http://tinyurl.com/57qpsn
July 11th, 2008 18:23
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/opinion/main.jhtml?xml=/opinion/2008/07/12/do1203.xml
July 12th, 2008 01:17
They are really trying to get the word out there that changes is coming. But I think we get the picture. Here is the news from The Guardian.
http://tinyurl.com/5cf936
July 12th, 2008 03:05
its nice to see prince william worked again. he’s pictures are hot.!
July 12th, 2008 12:31
He’s fine.
July 12th, 2008 16:47
Hello,
Anyone think it odd that the ‘new’ PR’s at CH lean very much PH’s way?
Does this mean that they think PW will soon be moving out and he will require new staf to look after …………………………………?
July 12th, 2008 17:19
I think the 2 new guys involved did a flawless job on PH – Afganistan/Lesotho charity – image (if you understand what I mean when reading the original article published in the Evening Standard), whilst the RAF/Prince Charles staff did a terrible PR job with PW, they shouldn’t have allowed him to fly to IoW, KM backyard, etc.
So as the article goes on, both boys seem to like this new team that will be working exclusively for them with the eye of CH big PR guy.
July 12th, 2008 17:41
Me,
The biggest mistake CH mandarins did was putting together very quickly the plan to improve PW public image by letting him play airman and sailor.
About 15 months ago PW’s public image was shot at and they had to do something to improve it. The quick reaction taken only had the effect of burying him even more in the general public’s eye.
The last few weeks have certainly improved his image but his next major move will be the one that makes or breaks him for the next 10-15 years.
The fact that the new PR’s seem to favour PH is strange so PW’s next move will clarify his future.
July 12th, 2008 17:50
I agree with that Ked…in hope that Mr. Head (specially him, as mentioned in the article) will boost PW – its all very very interesting. He will also seem to help KM, IF…the when happens.
July 12th, 2008 18:26
Honestly, I don’t think either of them care what other people think about their image. Their image is different from who they are, and they certainly aren’t tied at the hip.
July 12th, 2008 18:32
Ked,
Being in the navy is not “playing.” It is a real job, just like any other job, and William decided he wanted to do it, not anyone else. He is old enough to chose the career/job that he wants, just like we can.
July 12th, 2008 21:34
Apryl,
If you believe that then believe that there are fairies and elves in the Tower.
The Royal family is ruled by its senior advisors who have kept them on the throne for 1000+ years.
A year or fifteen months ago there was no plan for PW to go into RAF or RN.
His reputation when an Army officer suffered mainly because of his nocturnal activities and wandering hands.
His reputation further suffered when Army officers criticised him for his treatment of KM and the CH mandarins had to improve his image.
Initially he was told he would be spending 3 months in RAF and 3 months in RN.
His RAF service was ruined by his helicopter antics and his reputation was again in tatters.
To prevent further problems his RN service was reduced to 9 week with a planned period in the Caribbean where he would be surreptitiously filmed in a previously planned drug operation
(these ops take months to plan with lots of intelligence , not the 4/5 days he was on the ship) and a disaster EXERCISE obviously previously planned.
PW does as he is told by CH and a future King can never choose his career as we can.
Please don’t be fooled
July 12th, 2008 21:58
Wow, that’s all I can say. Just….wow.
July 12th, 2008 23:11
You may got something there Ked but what’s he’s doing is very important to keep the Monarchy going. I don’t know if anybody notice but people are wondering what will become of it when The Queen dies and it’s all on William & Harry. Although Charles will be King, the major helpers will be William & Harry. The current senior royals (Charles, Anne, Andrew, Edward) are all doing a great job but they are making way for William & Harry to take over things. So the new change to come is the best news yet. The next big news will get everyone excited.
July 13th, 2008 03:28
I’m pretty sure that it was decided more than 15 months ago that he would spend time with both the RAF and the Navy. And his reputation didn’t suffer that much from “his nocturnal activities and wandering hands”. There were a couple of stories about girls who wanted some press attention. I think most people understood that. I can totally understand that CH doesn’t see William’s next move as “make or break”. His reputation is not in tatters, he is a popular guy generally. And his time in the Navy is not just PR, he is there to learn. I don’t see why people are so eager to put down his activities and tell us it’s just PR.
July 13th, 2008 03:45
I agree that he doesn’t just do this for PR reasons. I think it was made clear from the beginning when he joined the military that he’ll spend some time with each branch though I have the impression that they cut his time short. I think that’s why he said he didn’t want to marry before he’s 28 because he thought that would be around the age he’d be done with his military duty – but that’s just my interpretation of course.
I am not happy about the way CH handles William’s press though. IMO they exaggerate his achievements far too much which makes it look incredible. For example he was praised as a natural when it comes to flying (which may very well be possible) and they made it look like he learned in 3 months what others have to learn in years – which is simply completely unbelieveable and also an insult to the other soldiers really who are so much “slower” than him. The same way the praise of his “natural leading skills” and his role in the drug bust by his navy commander sounds a little over the top. I do not doubt that William is a very capable officer but they do not always have to pretend that he’s a natural and the best in everything he does – that just screams of PR.
I think it’s already a great achievement that he seems to fit in into new “groups” of people and can adapt to new circumstances rather easily and seems to get on with everybody just fine. He went from the Blues and Royals to the RAF and now to the Navy without any problems apparently and appears to be well liked by his fellow soldiers – that’s IMO what really matters. CH should not overdo it and add rather exaggerated sounding praise to that.
July 13th, 2008 05:33
As the newspapers(not tabloids) have hinted, the next major step in PW’s path will be the announcement of his engagement. I believe that CH is fully aware of the media storm this will cause and they have wisely hired this PR guy to oversee it. Right now William is following pace and completing his military career. People need to stop making such an issue with it already,really.
On a lighter topic, did anyone here in the US see the show on WE called Prince William, Sexy and Single? LOL. It was pretty good. Somewhat tabliodish,but a decent account of the relationship between William and Kate from the very start. They even had a body language specialist on,which was amusing. It was interesting to see the evolution of Kate Middleton. She has come quite a long way since the early days of St Andrews. I Think she will make a beautiful royal bride and prove to be very suitable as a princess and a queen too!
July 13th, 2008 05:52
Trixie,
You just can’t blame the ’suits’ from CH for pushing PW and/or PH It’s their job.
The points they haven’t realized yet is that this is 21C and us poor plebs have minds of our own and are able to work things out.
PW and PH are in the main decent enough guys but heir lives have, until the last couple of years have been closeted and decisions were taken for them.
They have now experienced a little of the other side but the ’suits’ don’t wan’t them straying too far from their influence because jobs are jobs.
However PW and PH may find it difficult for a time making their own decisions but I’m sure they’ll reach there in the end.
AS far as KM is concerned, I think she is good for PW but if he hasn’t proposed (secretly) to her by now then every month that goes by will make it more difficult for PW as possible doubts pile up on doubts.
If an arrangement isn’t already there then the longer it goes on without one the more certainty a break up becomes.
To be honest, if an announcement isn’t made soon it could very well be ‘no go’, and that would be a great shame for PW as I think he and KM are soul mates and probably been great lovers.
What happens to both then remains the biggest problem the Royal family will have over the next 40 to 50 years.
Think of a situation similar to the Hugh Grant problem. He can’t find happiness but at the same time, although married, his former lover is still very much in his life.
Imagine a similar scenario with KM looking for happiness and PW still out there but by circumstance forced to marry to continue the Royal line.
It barely defies thinking about !
July 13th, 2008 07:12
It’ s so funny how people think that William and Kate have not already agreed on their future! As if Kate is sitting there wondering if William will ever propose. I think most couples agree on a timetabble forthese things and it’s not up to the guy when it will happen. These two will be no different. They have discussed when they think the right time is, spoken to the right people about it and everything is planned and they are just waiting till that time comes. Kate is “secretely” getting ready with the help of CH and she is not in any doubt that she will get engaged to Prince William. There is no reason to worry about the furure of these two people. They have a very solid relationship. IMHO
July 13th, 2008 07:51
dagy,
That is the trouble.
We just don’t know.
How do we know what has been discussed?
I think in this case it’s very much up to the guy.
Yes they are solid, we can tell that from observing them.
How do we know CH is helping KM, no one has told us.
How do we know when HM will allow PW to propose ? Without doubt, he needs her permission.
I hope what you think is true but please answer me, how do we know.
dagy, please in this instance for ‘we’ read ‘you’
please enlighten us, we all want to know how you know. We don’t !
July 13th, 2008 08:22
I believe all will be revealed soon enough and although we don’t know the facts per se, I think it is safe to think on the positive side at this point. Besides, being upbeat and positive is much more fun!
July 13th, 2008 08:39
I think the seal of approval, will ask her, will do, secret engagement, the time line, the date, the ring, came with the Order of the Garter.
July 13th, 2008 08:47
The Garter ceremony left little question as to the future of PW and KM,IMO. The timing is all that is left at this point and I believe that will come in the early part of 2009.
July 13th, 2008 08:51
I agree with Dagy. More importantly, there is no denying that they are a couple, and Dagy makes a valid and strong point, “most couples agree on a timetabble for these things”. So, noone really “KNOWS”, but all of us being fairly (sometimes
)normal, there is a always a natural way that progress, and after all these years – I am certain the future has been discussed.
July 13th, 2008 09:21
Hello everyone,
I agree with all that’s been said and really feel that KM is his one and only.
But, if you are a grandma’s and been told “I love her but not sure if it’s enough” 12 months ago and you think of you’re childrens marriages and divorces thick and fast how do you react if th grandson, who would be King, comes and says “now I’m sure and love her enough”.
Do you as a grandma say” Ok” or do you say “Ok come back in 12 months and tell me you still love her enough and then go ahead”
Only Grandma’s can answer ! Any out theer ?
July 13th, 2008 09:23
I don’t KNOW. I’m not a dramatic person seeing problems everywhere, I only use my common sense. Thinking most people, royal or not, think and behave pretty logically. Turns out I’m right very often actually;)
July 13th, 2008 09:24
I can see where Ked is coming from. Dagy/MGR have said that “most couples agree on a timetable…” but the thing is, they are far from being “most couples.” Yes, they may still just be “people” in the sense that they’re human and make mistakes like the rest of us etc., but as a couple, they are dealing with very unusual circumstances where there are a lot of people involved in deciding their future; whether they like it or not.
I would be willing to bet that we all know somebody that seemed to have a great relationship, had their “timetable” set and then, for whatever reason, things fell apart. And think of how much family influences our decisions as mere mortals…I imagine it’s ten-fold for a prince where he has not only family, but the weight of his country, to think about.
Also, if William is indecisive in the least, and/or has some psychological fears/uncertainties about marriage since the demise of his parents’ relationship, then I think his actions in a serious relationship could be very unpredictable. He has the world at his fingertips, and girls too, for that matter. He could definitely be a Hugh Grant-type that has somebody GREAT in his life, but falls prey to the “what ifs” in life, and therefore can’t fully commit and ultimately makes some bad decisions along the way.
I’m not saying this is the situation, just pointing out that I can completely understand what Ked was trying to say. Although I would love to be proven wrong, I don’t think their relationship/marriage is a done deal yet.
July 13th, 2008 09:39
Yes there are couples/people with common sense, like there are people who don’t “plan” and marry for the wrong reasons.
But seeing the PW and KM backgrounds, meaning there families, support they receive (include here moral and economical support, where you can communicate and express to your family your feelings good, bad, in happiness, in despair, in trouble, etc.)…most likely people like this have a use of a planned common sense.
Otherwise and normally, when a girl/boy gets pregnant out of marriage, or other wrong reasons – running away, quickly getting married without getting to really know who the other half is – just check out there background – we are in the 21 century – its not our granma/granpa’s or even in the 80’s (yet) time when people would arrange marriages, marry quickly in 1-2 years time of meeting !
What culture happens to the people, have you guys noticed that the system (government type, including those that have a Monarchy) also change to those cultural changes. Survival. No one keeps there backs to what the majority goes for, if so, then everyone knows what happens, right.
July 13th, 2008 09:42
What I mean to say is that I think, with what I mentioned above is that PW/KM do talk about these things, share it with their respective families and do use planned timetable, calendar, common sense…and all the works.
I’ve seen those things happen within my friends, some have this background, other don’t. Most of the 1st group end and live a real nice life in all aspects. The second group deep troubles.
July 13th, 2008 09:49
Ked,
How do you KNOW that’s what grandma said?
It would be logical to assume they have discussed marriage, but that quote, ““I love her but not sure if it’s enough”, with exact timing, “12 months ago”, now that is curious!
L, you are absolutely right – they are not most people. But somehow, I just think that their relationship is pretty “normal”. Whenever we catch small glimpses, such as his b-day, formal events, and partying with their friends, as well as the fact they have had break-ups, he has tried to impress her, sometimes they look like they may be mad at each other – it’s all pretty run-of-the-mill. Now, we go away for a weekend with our significant other to the mountains – at a borrowed cabin, they go to a private island with 222 butlers – but besides that kind of the same as everyone else
July 13th, 2008 10:27
MGR,
I believe that was said because at the time of their April 2007 break up it was a legitimate reason for a break up.
Prior to that all seemed reasonable OK with PW and KM and the silly reasons like toilet,gum,doors to manual etc all seemed far fetched and stupid.
It was also known that PW talked to HM lots and the Royal family in general were getting anxious because PW seemed to be dithering and sensible advice like “do it or get rid ” were sensibel things a parent or grandparent might saytoo an enquiring son or grandson.
I agree however that we do not know, it was just a sensible option mentioned at the time.
July 13th, 2008 11:52
I do not believe that anyone in the BRF ever worried about William “dithering”. The only ones, iMO, who ever made a big deal out of a lack of engagement were and still are the British papers. For some weird reason they seem to be incapable to leave Will and Kate alone and just allow them to lead a relationship without any talk about an engagement or marriage. Honestly that speculation started as soon as it became known that they were a couple back in 2004 and they were 23 years old then. William is the only grandchild of HM the British papers do that to. Noone questions Zara’s love for Mike or Harry’s love for Chelsy or Peter’s love for Autumn and told them to make up their mind and get married or break up. Only William is constantly pressured to get engaged.
I see no reason why HM or any other member of the BRF should have given William said advise. I’m sure they are all confident in his ability to make up his own mind and would not get involved in his private life. Honestly the Queen surely has better things to do as does the Duke.These stories were IMO only there to fill the papers. Some sort of explanation had to be found for the sudden break-up noone had foreseen so it was blamed on some “advise” given by Philip and then later on Will’s friends who were allededly insulting Kate’s background (though they all seem to get on with her just fine) and finally on Charles… To me that’s tabloid fodder nothing more than that.
July 13th, 2008 12:19
Sorry Ked,
Still don’t buy it. There are a million and one other, “legitimate reason for a break up”. To give credence and weight to that one is unfair.
You seam as if you are real sure that is what took place:
But, if you are a grandma’s and been told “I love her but not sure if it’s enough” 12 months ago and you think of you’re childrens marriages and divorces thick and fast how do you react if th grandson, who would be King, comes and says “now I’m sure and love her enough”.
But then you give others a hard time for the same reason:
How do we know what has been discussed?
…….Oh well, now I am giving you a hard time, not nice of me!!
July 13th, 2008 12:33
ked, As a grandmother that has been married 49 years I would base my answer to a grandchild on how they were acting with each other. Body language says everything. Is the bonding really there or not? True love does not require a long periord of time. It can be rather quick. I knew my husband 3 days when we got engaged and we married withing 3 months. The difference was that mentally we were committed to marriage as a lifetime commitment. Our learning curve was steep, but we did not look outside the marriage when we hit rough patches. We talked and talked and compromised and now we are enjoying our golden years. I hope PW and CM are truly mentally committed to each other.
July 13th, 2008 12:59
Grandma828,
What a lovely post.
I agree with you especially after their appearances together lately when PW seems to have thawed in his actions towards KM which have not always been as loving in the recent past.
I recall seeing their first few appearances together some 5 years or so ago. At that time he coudn’t keep his hands or his eyes off her but possibly because of his paranoia with the press he seemed to cool towards her.
I think that KM is good for PW and she is so loving,loyal and true that I hope they make it together.
Your comments as a Grandma are interesting especially with regard to body language and I agree partially with your comments on time. It doesn’t seem to have done you and your husband any harm.
Again, lovely post and well done.
(this is not my teaching my grandmother to suck eggs. Ha ha)
July 13th, 2008 13:07
MGR,
At the time of their break up in march/april 2007 that was the only reason ,of the many reported,that seemed credible and some reports since seem to confirm a reluctance by certain royals to positively accept KM.
That is my fear together with PW’s natural reluctance to commit which may delay irrevocably his decision and KM may be lost to him for ever.
July 13th, 2008 13:41
Everyone,
I hope noone thinks that I am being too down beat on PW/KM. I most certainly don’t intend to be and I am only voicing my own fears.
Fears for PW/KM and fears for the future if they do not bmake it together.
They belong to one another and I hope the right decisions are being made for their future.
KM deserves PW and PW needs KM
July 13th, 2008 17:11
ked, it is not the downbeat that concerns me. It is the fact that it seems like you as well as the former poster,will, seem to come across as knowing factual information that I am not sure is possible,such as the exact words that PW spoke to his grandmother or what her response was. No one,IMO but HM and PW know the contents of such a conversation assuming one took place. No member of the press,media or any website is privy to such things.
It is my opinion that when the time comes for HM to grant her Grandson,the future king,permission to marry his longtime companion,she will do so. I have no worries.
July 13th, 2008 17:37
Well there is a Royal Wedding coming up and it’s not William & Kate but The Lady Rose Windsor. She will marry on the 19th of July at Kensington Palace.
July 14th, 2008 07:10
“She will marry on the 19th of July at Kensington Palace”
In a spanish site they are discussing why it is going to be realized so quickly. “Express” as they said.
July 14th, 2008 22:06
[...] Photos of Prince William in the Caribbean. (British Royal Wedding) [...]
July 16th, 2008 14:30
He’s so fine.