Prince William’s new equerry is fellow helicopter pilot

The Prince of Wales has appointed a fellow helicopter pilot as his new equerry.

Sqn Ldr Mike Reynolds has been seconded from the RAF and replaces Lt Cmdr Rob Dixon, who is returning to the Royal Navy after four years.

Prince William, 42, has made no secret of how much he relished his time flying helicopters, both with the air ambulance and the RAF, and has maintained a close interest in the industry.

Last week, the Telegraph revealed he had made a private visit to the Airbus Helicopter headquarters at Oxford Airport, where he was shown around a newly delivered Airbus H135, bound for the London Air Ambulance.

It came days after he admitted he would love to return to the skies. On a visit to the Wales Air Ambulance headquarters in Llanelli, he said: “I’d love to fly again. I could volunteer for a weekend to make a comeback.”

A royal equerry acts as a form of personal assistant to their charge. Traditionally, the chosen candidate is seconded from the Armed Forces for three years, with each service taking its turn to provide an officer.

Sqn Ldr Reynolds will be in regular close attendance with the Prince, both at Kensington Palace and on public engagements. He will be considered the heir to the throne’s “eyes and ears”.

His facial hair has already garnered some attention, mirroring the Prince’s new look. William appeared in military uniform with his facial hair for the first time at RAF Cranwell, in Lincolnshire, last week when he addressed officer cadets at their passing out parade.

The Prince completed an intensive four-month flying course at RAF Cranwell in April 2008, receiving his wings from his father.

In February, the King appointed Capt Kat Anderson, a 33-year-old officer with the Royal Artillery, as the first female equerry to a sovereign.

Capt Anderson works alongside the King’s equerry, Lieutenant Commander Will Thornton, 37, a Royal Navy helicopter pilot.

On Thursday, the Prince spoke of his hopes that the private sector can help end homelessness, urging them to see beyond the perceived risks of renting property to those who have been homeless.

Speaking to those who have personally struggled with homelessness in Scotland, he said there was a great opportunity to persuade private landlords and businesses to help where they can.

The Prince flew to Aberdeen via a slightly delayed commercial airline and also joked that he had brought some good weather with him.