Here's why Prince William worked as a spy for three weeks

This is not a drill. We repeat. This is not a drill.

(Image credit: REX/Shutterstock)

This is not a drill. We repeat. This is not a drill.

Words by Olivia Edwardes

Prince William has undoubtedly got his hands full, taking on increasing amounts of royal duties whilst being a hands-on dad to his three children, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.

But it seems that recently the royal got a taste of life on the line, with his latest royal mission having him play spy with MI6 and MI5.

Yes, really. The Duke of Cambridge has had an exciting break from the armed guarded walls of Kensington Palace, spending three weeks with British Intelligence operatives learning the mechanics of the secret service.

See more

'Spending time inside our security and intelligence agencies, understanding more about the vital contribution they make to our national security, was a truly humbling experience,' William said in a statement on Instagram. 'These agencies are full of people from everyday backgrounds doing the most extraordinary work to keep us safe.'

The 36-year-old is no stranger to military time having trained in the navy and worked as a pilot for the RAF Search and Rescue Force, but this was his first time shadowing agents undercover.

David (fake name given to the press), GCHQ's head of counter-terrorism operations, released a statement that the Prince had 'comfortably held his own amongst some highly skilled analysts and operators.'

William began his work experience with a week at MI6 (foreign intelligence), where he 'got to see first-hand how SIS helps the UK identify and exploit opportunities as well as navigate risks to its national security, military effectiveness and economy,' as said in a statement release by Kensington Palace. He then spent another week with MI5 (domestic intelligence), investigating threats within the UK. He finished off his internship with perks at a GCHQ in Cheltenham, studying the technology used to assist agents in the field.

REX
(Image credit: REX/Shutterstock)

Well that's some news we weren't expecting.

Here's hoping the whole Cambridge family kicked back with a Bond film to help William prep!

The leading destination for fashion, beauty, shopping and finger-on-the-pulse views on the latest issues. Marie Claire's travel content helps you delight in discovering new destinations around the globe, offering a unique – and sometimes unchartered – travel experience. From new hotel openings to the destinations tipped to take over our travel calendars, this iconic name has it covered.