BRITISH defence officials have defended a decision to allow Prince William to fly himself and Prince Harry to a buck`s night in an air force helicopter.
British media reports said Prince William flew a £10 million ($21 million) Chinook helicopter to London last week, picked up his brother, and then went on to the Isle of Wight for their cousin`s stag do.
The Ministry of Defence has told Britain`s Press Association that the flight was always planned as part of the training schedule for the prince, who is on attachment with the Royal Air Force.
The flight tested key elements of his piloting skills, including flying in busy air traffic, crossing water and landing at an enclosed chopper pad, the ministry said.
An RAF spokesman also defended the decision.
"Having spent a week under instruction with a Chinook helicopter squadron, Prince William flew a legitimate training sortie which tested his new skills to the limit," an RAF spokesman told The Guardian.
Prince William received his RAF wings from his father, Prince Charles, at a ceremony just hours before the flight last Friday.
The stag night on the Isle of Wight was for Princess Anne`s son, Peter Phillips, who is getting married next month.
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