King Charles is on the lookout for a first-rate helicopter pilot, dangling a “competitive” salary and attractive benefits, presenting what could be an ideal chance for Prince Andrew to stage a royal return.
In a light-hearted comment in the Daily Mail, royal commentator Richard Eden quipped that this job might be the “perfect way” for the Duke of York to step back into official duties after his withdrawal from the public eye five years prior.
The role entails piloting members of the Royal Family across the UK for their official engagements, and with Prince Andrew’s history as a helicopter pilot and naval commander during the Falklands conflict aboard HMS Invincible, he may well fit the bill.
The royal household’s employment notice calls for an “experienced multi-engine helicopter commander” to become part of The King’s Helicopter Flight (TKHF), a select crew tasked with delivering premier aerial transport for the royals.
The job listing highlights a requirement for “extensive flying experience in multi-engine helicopters” and anticipates candidates to demonstrate “high levels of initiative, pro-activity and problem-solving capability”.
The vacancy advertises for someone with “excellent communication and interpersonal skills” and the ability to cultivate an environment that “actively promotes a safe, open and honest working culture”.
Prospective applicants have until 23.55 on November 3 to apply, with the role offering a “generous benefits package”, free lunches, and an “excellent” pension plan.
“The King’s Helicopter Flight (TKHF) consists of a small team of pilots and ground support staff who provide an exceptional helicopter travel service to Members of the Royal Family undertaking official engagements across the UK.”
In a 2024 report by the Express, it was disclosed that Prince Andrew and his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth, were both in favour of him serving on the front line during the Falklands conflict, despite some Cabinet members’ preference for a desk job, reports Gloucestershire Live.
Andrew bravely flew a helicopter near HMS Invincible, luring Argentine jets’ fire to draw missiles away from the ship.
He also co-piloted a Sea King helicopter in a vital rescue mission for sailors from the SS Atlantic Conveyor, which had been hit by Exocet missiles, an ordeal he later recounted as the “most frightening moment of my war”.
The Falklands War broke out in 1982 after Argentine forces landed on the British overseas territory, which Buenos Aires has long claimed.
Andrew is said to have piloted a helicopter behind Invincible amid attacking Argentine jets in an attempt to “make the missiles swerve towards the helicopter instead of the ship”, as detailed by the Express’s Robert McGowan.
The conflict led to the deaths of 907 people – 649 Argentinian soldiers, 255 British military personnel, and three Falkland Islanders.
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