Prince William has given permission for the air ambulances in London to land at his private lawn in Kensington Palace and use this area to refuel the helicopters amid the coronavirus pandemic. The Duke of Cambridge likely didn't have to think twice about allowing the landing since he knows just how precious time is for these people working to save lives.
The landing permission apparently cuts the time for the air ambulance units to fly to the nearest fueling facility, which is in Watford. According to reports, the helicopters have been allowed to land at Perks Field in Kensington Palace, which is also used for landing royal family helicopters.
Kensington Palace is of course the official residence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. However, the Cambridges are currently not in their London home as they have been isolating since the middle of March in their country home in Norfolk.
Prince William has a close affinity to the air ambulance service in London, having been part of the unit himself before he took on royal duties. The Duke of Cambridge served as a rescue helicopter pilot from 2015 to 2017. Before that, he was also a rescue pilot for the Royal Air Force. He was also recently made the patron of the London's Air Ambulance Charity.
"His Royal Highness has seen first-hand the impact these first responders have upon the lives of patients with critical injuries," the statement from Kensington Palace read upon his confirmation as patron. "As Patron of the London's Air Ambulance Charity, the Duke will continue to champion those working on the frontline, and highlight the charity's vital work in supporting the London's Air Ambulance's rapid response to incidents, and its provision of life-saving medical treatment."
A palace source has confirmed that the air ambulance units have been using Perks Field. The source said that the royals are happy to help especially during this time of crisis.
Meanwhile, there were talks that Prince William might consider rejoining as rescue pilot during this pandemic. Apparently, the Duke of Cambridge misses being in the frontline and actually being there to save lives.
However, the Duke of Cambridge has bigger duties with his work in the royal family. While he's staying put in Norfolk, Prince William has been busy with video conference calls to his charities and other organizations to make sure that the frontliners and the vulnerables have the support they need, whether financial or emotional, to weather this pandemic.
