Neither being a monarch-in-waiting or a rich bloke flying planes and being in the media, leads to any form of Earned Respect in society.

In the 21C the Establishment should be emphasizing, Earn your Rank (WIngs) and Earn your Respect. If Wills wants to be Listened to, its the only way.

Ruth, Reading, Berks

Let's get one thing straight amongst all this waffle. The C17 was on a scheduled flight from Brize carrying people and stores out and the same back (sadly plus yet another body). Sending our man along for the ride cost the taxpayer nothing except perhaps for an awful lot of film to record the event.

John, Tasha, France

He is a product of a long line of "Royals" and so has inherited the genes and intelligence we have come to expect from those who think they are are born to rule.

We therefore shouldn't blame him - he knows no better - but we should question if the military top brass have any more sense.

Bob Green, Braintree, Essex

Surely the prince doesn't get to have his say over his training - it has to have been set out well in advance. I think the RAF stint is too smooth feathers in that arm of the forces, as his RN stint will be. Sandhurst won. He needs exposure to all arms of the forces. He isn't master of the plan

Elizabeth, Victoria, Canada

If the future King of England can't have a bit of fun on a helicopter that belongs to his mum then its a bit sad.

Stop benefits to all the lazy devils in UK for one day and I bet that covers it 100x over.

Get over it - give the kid a break!

Angela Whitworth, Kandahar, Afghanistan

I find it amazing to read all the negative comments complaining about wasting taxpayer money. If you really want to see taxpayer money wasted come to the US. Quite frankly, I admire the Royal Family. Those complaining need to examine their own insecurities, and obvious jealousies.

John McIlray, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA

He will also be head of the Church of England. When is he going to stand in for a vicar for a few months?

Denise, Colchester,

Perhaps he should now spend 4 months in an NHS hospital and then a spell as a surgeon somewhere?
Anyone who has done flying training knows that he is just playing--it takes years of experience to command the aircraft he's flying around in. What's the point of "air experience" when he's off to sea?

D.Henry, Edinburgh, Scotland UK

There is an agenda against the Royals, they have to respond, .
A country without its history , culture, its traditions is Less of a country.

They have my support.

Adrian Peirson, luton, Britain

This young man gave our War Dead a Royal escort home. Offering this kind of very public support - public duties of exactly this kind -- is precisely the least disputed function of the modern royal family. And landing at your girlfriend's or parent's has been revealed as quite normal during training.

Rupert Pearson, London, UK

there is no debate here,a lot of time,money and expertise wasted on producing a toy soldier that will serve no useful purpose to our overstretched armed forces.while he flies around the countryside on a jolly with his brother and friends real soldiers are dying,desperately short of helicopters

ally, falkirk, scotland

Well, since he will never be head of British forces which is why ancient princes were taught and exposed to drips and drabs of military experience, it very obviously is for traditional show.
I suppose if the people don't mind and fail to formally complain about it, then they deserve to pay for it...

D. Griffing, Naples, Long Beach, USA

Why do royalty always have to be eventually promoted in the armed forces way beyond that which they would ever achieve if they had been born Joe Soap?They impress only the gullible. This latest piece of PR is sickening when it is directed at serving soldiers who really do make a difference.

Chris, Aberdeen, UK

Would there be so much negative opinion and/or doubt of intentions and motive if this man were a US MArine sworn to defend his country and support his President/King? I think not...let this fine young warrior and heir apparent do what his conscience dictates.

Logan Burke, Melbourne, USA

Well done him and keep up the good work.

J Macfarlane, Lincoln,

i think he is legit. to a degree of course, but look at how many other politicians never even bothered to go through something like this.

whether or not he's actually truly in harm's way is another question.....

josh, la,

He must have spent more time in the air, than on the ground.

shallotman, Basildon, UK

Of course it's a public relations exercise.

But then he's a public figure, and needs to maintain his relations with the public.

If I do something stupid in public, nobody pays any attention to me.

If he does, it goes front page of the tabloids & he has to do something positive to balance it

Mark, Woking, UK

"Just another example of poor judgement. Another cost to add to the list.

Mason, CARDIFF, "

Errrr....How? The C-17's have to fly into Khandar nearly every day to resupply the troops on the ground so all HRH has done is tag onto a flight that was going there anyway.

David Evans, Rotherham, S.Yorks

Is such a flight part of the normal RAF pilot training? If not, it's a PR stunt. Lets be honest, he's never going to do a real job in the military, so why bother? If he wasn't to play with planes and helicopters, pay for it out of your own pocket, not our taxes.

David, London, England

Get rid of the royal wasters. It's time we had a full democracy and an elected head of state. These "princes" are an anachronistic waste of taxpayers' money.

michael, bedford,

Prince Williams military training is pointless (he'll never see action or command men under fire) and nepotistic (did he compete with others for his place in flight training?).
Wills - start contributing positively to society rather than flaunting your undeserved privileges.

Tom, London, UK

He's just exploiting privilege. The rest is PR. The sad thing is that there are credulous people who buy it all and find something to admire in these nonentities.

They're no different to us, just richer with titles. Their role in the services is purely ceremonial. No experience necessary.

Paul Owen, Birmingham, UK

I think Prince William is such a refreshing asset to the countries of he British Commonwealth, indeed the world.
Bright, extremely good looking and he just looks like he is fun to be with. The world needs more young people like Prince William.
I'll take him for a Grandson any day.

myrna Tubman, Wolseley, Canada

I find it very hard to understand that Prince William received the RAF wings after having followed what was a fairly basic introductory course into flying. It is a bit of an insult to all the other young Flying Officers, who got their wings only after years of gruelling training.

Christopher Stevens, Lille, France

He is doing what he has been taught to do

Robert English, Brighton , UK

There is a stock phrase used I have often heard:
"It is my duty and my pleasure to ... "

Many people toss this off without thinking but isn't this really the case for Prince William?

I feel that his critics on this matter partially envious that here is a man that obviously enjoys his job.

Andy Khoo, Pulau Tikus, Malaysia

When is the media going to forget the Chinook 'jollie'? As part of all military helicopter pilots' training, student pilots have to plan and execute an 'away from base' landing. Most of them end up visiting family or friends who are happy to have a large noisy machine drop in. Give William a break!

Bernie, Tunbridge Wells, Kent

For the sovereign, leadership is not a bed of roses. He is the embodiment of state and has to face whatever might face his subjects in the real situations.

Courage and fortitude is part of it - that is why they are kings in the first place and everybody else isn't.

Thank you.

Kabaleega

olivia, Hoima, Uganda

Showing off at taxpayers' expense, it's pathetic. Obviously trying to salvage his reputation after his other jolly helicopter jaunts. How much did it cost this time? If William wants to help our troops he should put some effort into fundraising for the injured & disabled instead of PR stunts.

Rachel, Edinburgh,

William, when King, will be CinC of the Armed Forces. He, quite rightly, is gaining experience of all three Services so he has some idea of what they are about. His presence on visits is hugely welcomed and valued by all ranks. After all, someone must take an interest in our Forces. The Govt doesn't

Charlie Okaley, Winchester, England

For a change I actually have more respect for Prince Harry, as he was out there on the front line fighting, and not as a PR stunt as noone was supposed to know he was there. If Prince William needs to get an understanding of how the RAF works, let him get his hands dirty as well.

John Smith, London,

no i think he is a nice guy who will do all his best to be head of state in your country
Especially William he is what you get it would be a different story with his brother Harry as he is too unpredictable

claude, ruislip, uk/france

No doubt that William is sincere in his desire to pursue his RAF career. What is of much more concern is why we remain in Afghanistan with no plan and potentially years of drain in terms of lives and resources. And where are the other NATO members - not in the line of fire. At least he's there!

JohnM, Perth, Scotland

All my life ive been brought up to believe that "everyone is equal" but the royals are a lot more equal than everybody else. The arguement to keep them "but they bring in revenue through tourism" -ssoo it doesnt matter what you do as long as you bring in the punters, what are we a fairground?

dean maloney, aldershot, england

Such trips are necessary . They should not flit in/out of the forces to "gain experience." For what? Figureheads are not needed. News blackouts are not on either. Why are their sons more important than ours? He should not fly to go to a stag night. This makes a mockery of the "real" armed forces.

Gary Anderson, Aberdeen, Scotland

This was clearly a PR stunt to make up for the terrible battering William's image has taken these last few weeks. I've watched William over the past few years and sadly he's becoming a let down. Wills needs to go overseas towork in diplomacy, far from the influences of Boujis, Kate & Clarence Hous!

Fran, Australia,

I say if he wants to serve let him serve. It should not matter who your family is or title.

Rob Winkler, Phoenix, Arizona, USA

seems to me that he used to be the diligent young monarch, but the longer it is since his mother dies the more he just seems like a rich kid with planes and stuff.

jesse, Perth,

He is having a laugh, and a lark, at our expense when he plays with these ultimate "Boys Toys". But get it right though, he is not solo flying these aircraft. He has only just qualified to fly a SMALL light aircraft. He cant fly a C17 transport, and definitely NOT a twin engined Chinook helicopter.

Dave C, Wallasey, UK

His landing in his girl friend's backyard and running his brother around is simply disgraceful as is the brothers' behaviour generally. OK that they behave like rich, spoilt kids but not at our expense please

John Lund, London, UK

I am inclined to believe that he is more the "rich bloke with access to planes and stuff". I was astonished at the amount of time spent on last night's BBC News 24 at 23.00 with repetitive 'old' film footage of the Prince walking near aeroplanes. After 18 minutes I switched off.

'Jay', London, U.K.

I for one think that the people of the UK should be proud of the service that both Princes have demonstrated. As far as a "PR job o/b/o the Royal Family" -- flying warplanes for the RAF is quite possibly one of the noblest and brave traditions from the 20th century. Leadership more than nominal.

Tony, Philadelphia, United States

Why can't he do both? He's supposed to be familiarising himself with the way the military works; it shows a lack of imagination if he can't enjoy himself at the same time.

Either way, the press will damn him for it.

bob, london,

I'm certainly not a monarchist. I don't think we need them. but as long as we have them, I think people should stop picking on them for excesses. Why shouldn't he live like a king...he is an apprentice king.

paul, London, UK

It has to be remembered that soldiers carry out the work of our politicians regardless of whether they support the action of not.
I would much rather hear about Prince William than some one armed preacher who hates us and claims lots of benefits.

mustafa osma smith, Slough,

Would your readers prefer that trainee pilots spent all the time on the ground - or in a simulator - rather than getting 'hands on' experience. It's irrelevant what this young man's status is; he needs as much air time as possible if he is to do his job properly, and safely.

Pat Armstrong, Amersham, UK

I think it is one way of telling the men...from ...the boys!

I do think it is a good idea they do service.Makes them see life from another window, so to speak....At the end of the day, why?
would they or should they be kept living the easy life!!
No!! let them have a bit of hard work...

Trish, Sydney, Australia

Look, while there is a monarchy, it is implied that there is a role for them to play. That includes meeting and inspiring the people. Now, you may not agree with that role, but while they are there, you cannot begrudge them from performing the duties of that role.

Suzanne, Melbourne, Australia

"diligent young monarch-in-waiting or a rich bloke with access to planes and stuff?"

Why not both? As I see it Prince William is well within his right to exercise his priveledges as he pleases.

Jason Wemyss, High Wycombe, United Kingdom

You can't do what they say he is trying to do in the time frames we hear about.

In a training course run by a professional company the experiences would be shared by a group to maximise the benefits and leverage the investment beng made.

These trips are jollies; no more and no less.

Brian Smith, RADLETT, UK

Is there any reason he can't have it both ways?

"Debate the issue here as we ask: Prince William - diligent young monarch-in-waiting or a rich bloke with access to planes and stuff?"

Dan Robinson, Charlotte, USA

Bless the LORD that Britain has only ROYAL FAMILY to worry and educate. We in Malaysia have NINE ON TOP of ONE who will be KING of Malaysia every three years.

Harry and William are only doing what are needed for the "privilege" bestowed by the sacrifices made by their forefathers before.

siburp, KUCHING, MALAYSIA

Just another example of poor judgement. Another cost to add to the list.

Mason, CARDIFF,

Whilst i do not agree with the class system that exists here in the UK which the royal family perpetuates.
I think its fantastic that Prince William is taking part in military exercises throughout the world. Raising the profile of the brave men who serve in our armed forces.

mustafa osma smith, Slough,

Please get off this man's back. It costs us as the taxpayer no more money whatever he does! He will have privileges being second in line to the throne and personally if I were in his boot's I would be doing the same. He has opportunities in the Royal Air Force, which I am pleased he's taking.

Dave George, Redditch, UK

It's about time he grew up and got a proper job. bUt then, look at his role model(s)

JayTee, Wemyss by the sea,

Straightforward question with an easy answer: a complete waste of time and money.

Chris Benton, Rockhampton, Australia

rich bloke with access to planes and stuff, I can certainly guarantee that he is never in any sort of danger, it is a disgrace to the men and women whom serve there country to have this joker show up and act like a soldier at war.

Randy Scherer, Lausanne, Switzerland

If the man is to be king, as he is, and in charge of the armed forces, to whatever extent, he has to have a management overview wall-papred on his mind. It can't be any other way.

Stephen Page, Felixstowe, UK