Prince William is set to undergo thorough cancer screenings after his former flight instructor died at age 47, allegedly from exposure to toxic fumes in military helicopters. The pilot, Flight Sergeant Zach Stubbings, succumbed to multiple myeloma years after training the prince at RAF Valley from 2010 to 2013. His death triggered concerns about the hazardous environment aboard Sea King helicopters, which William, 42, once flew.
Sources say Buckingham Palace officials fear another potential health crisis could strain the Royal Family further, given that both King Charles and Catherine, Princess of Wales have been battling cancer, according to Radaronline. A palace insider stated: "William will undergo a range of tests to make sure he's not suffering from any illnesses connected to his military service. Heaven forbid that he's developed any form of cancer in the service of his country."
The same insider said palace aides are deeply anxious: "The Royal Family does not need a triple whammy of cancer-stricken senior royals on its books given Charles and Kate have both been battling the illness over the last months. It is a very worrying time to say the least." Royal watchers note that William's role as the future king amplifies the concern, as ongoing legal actions suggest a broader health crisis among some British military aircrew.
Stubbings had earlier described working with "black exhaust fumes" during flights, noting that he often got "a face full" of sooty residue. Recounting the conditions, he said: "If you're by the cargo door, the exhaust comes right through. We had to clean everything. It didn't feel right. There was no protection, nothing. We all complained about it." Legal filings indicate that some British servicemembers who operated the same aircraft have been diagnosed with lung cancer, throat cancer, testicular cancer, and other rare diseases.
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) has reportedly settled at least six such cases out of court, with dozens more claims pending. Service members allege that officials were aware as far back as 1999 of the potential risks from helicopter exhaust fumes yet failed to act or implement adequate safety measures. The MoD has responded that it takes "the health of our personnel extremely seriously" and has begun testing exhaust emissions of certain military helicopters.
Stubbings, a father of three, was diagnosed in 2013, thirteen years after enlisting. He joined the RAF Search and Rescue unit and later instructed William while both were stationed in Anglesey. Richard Sutton, a former Navy Commander and pilot who has battled cancer himself, announced Stubbings' passing. Sea King helicopters, the same model Stubbings piloted, were also a staple of William's flight duties in the early 2010s.
With Kate Middleton recently revealing her remission following treatment, and King Charles reportedly facing his own health struggles, the palace aims to avert further hardships. William's forthcoming cancer checks signal an urgent attempt to manage potential fallout and ensure his well-being. Political commentators and royal watchers alike say the health of senior royals carries profound significance, as any serious illness could impact royal duties and national morale.
Stubbings' story now features prominently in a wave of lawsuits filed against the British military. Plaintiffs claim that the "fume-belching" helicopters exposed them to carcinogens, making them vulnerable to serious illness later in life. Settlement amounts have not been fully disclosed, but industry experts believe the MoD could face payouts in the millions.
Despite public curiosity, Buckingham Palace has not officially confirmed when or where William's tests will take place. Palace representatives say they will not comment on the personal medical matters of senior royals. Meanwhile, the MoD's investigation into exhaust emissions continues, as additional aircrew come forward to allege they too suffered from health complications after flying the same aircraft.
- Key Developments in Toxic Fume Exposure:
- At least six MoD settlements related to alleged carcinogenic exposure.
- Dozens more claims currently in progress.
- Sea King helicopters identified as a primary concern for multiple myeloma and other cancers.
