A member of the royal family could soon be making regular unannounced visits to Essex- as a helicopter ambulance pilot.

East Anglian Air Ambulance has confirmed Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge, will join the charity in spring 2015.

Mr Andrew Egerton Smith MBE, Chairman of EAAA, said: “Having the Duke of Cambridge as one of our pilots is marvellous news as he brings much experience to the charity after his successful career as a search and rescue pilot.

“We have an outstanding track record of attending people in the hour of need which is recognised and generously supported by our local communities”

The air ambulance charity primarily covers Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk and Bedfordshire but often flies missions into Essex where it works in partnership with the East of England Ambulance Service NHS Trust.

Jane Gurney, CEO of Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust, said: “It is a very positive development not only for the region’s Air Ambulance Charities and the communities they serve but also for the UK wide Air Ambulance industry.

“We wish the Duke of Cambridge every success in his new appointment.”