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Prince William was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the Household Cavalry's Blues and Royals in December 2006 after completing officer training at Sandhurst. His commissioning aligned with active British military deployments, reinforcing the monarchy's ties to front-line service.

The Blues and Royals combine ceremonial duties with armored reconnaissance, exposing young officers to both tradition and modern combat. William's role involved leading soldiers and mastering tactics. Unlike his brother Prince Harry, who served in Afghanistan, William faced tighter security constraints.

Instead of combat, he undertook attachments across the armed services and later became a search-and-rescue pilot with the Royal Air Force. His military training has influenced his public service work, focusing on mental health initiatives and veteran support. William's commissioning serves as a reference point for the monarchy's connection to the armed forces amidst ongoing discussions on national service and defense.