Prince William and David Beckham Leave Their Mark on New Air Ambulance Helicopter: Here’s What They Wrote!

William, a former air ambulance helicopter pilot, recently admitted he’d “love to fly again”

On Tuesday, Oct. 1, the Prince of Wales started the day alongside former soccer star David Beckham as they celebrated the purchase of a vital new helicopter for London’s Air Ambulance charity.

It marked the successful conclusion of its “Up Against Time” fundraising drive, which brought in more than $21 million to fund two new H135 helicopters.

William, 42 showed Beckham, 49, around the cockpit of the bright red craft at RAF Northolt, northwest London. William had invited Beckham to be a part of the Omaze campaign for the appeal which helped raise around $6 million.

Afterward, it had been planned for William to watch as one of the helicopters took off on a flight above the airfield, but the quintessential wet British weather made the planned trip impossible.

The “Up Against Time” appeal was launched in 2021 after it became clear that London’s Air Ambulance Charity’s MD902 helicopters were approaching the end of their operational lifespan, posing a potential impact on thousands of patients annually.

Thanks to the success of the fundraising campaign the medical team can continue providing critical, life-saving services across London, according to William’s office at Kensington Palace.

During his visit, William met the medical and pilot crews who will be using the new helicopters, learning how the upgraded aircraft will enhance their work. He also had the opportunity to meet with Airbus engineers involved in the design and development of the helicopters, along with donors and supporters who contributed to the success of the “Up Against Time” campaign.