From the Telegraph:
Why Prince William will not pay back his 'outstanding training costs' at the RAF - Telegraph
Courtiers have reacted angrily to suggestions that the Duke of Cambridge's decision to give up full-time military duties would cost the taxpayer hundreds of thousands of pounds.
The £800,000 of training that each helicopter pilot undertakes means that recruits are expected to serve for six years in the role. Prince William has given up after three years, leading to claims that the taxpayer will be left with a £400,000 bill.
A military source confirms to Mandrake that the Duke, 31, has left the RAF with “outstanding training costs”.
He says: "The mechanics of financial repayment are not possible. Prince William will, effectively, repay any outstanding training costs by return of service to the nation in other areas."
A Kensington Palace spokesman says: “No money is 'owed to the taxpayer."
He adds: "The Duke spent eight years in the military, three in the RAF, racked up 1,300 flying hours, went on more than 150 search-and-rescue missions, helping to rescue 150 people, often in precarious flying conditions. We believe he has done more than his fair share.”
A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence declines to comment.
My question: How has he got 1,300 hrs in 3 years?
I think that the cost of bespoke flying training for Prince William probably pales into insignificance when compared to the civil list.
Good on him for a) Joining and flying and b) getting one over on the RoS police.