AS the sick judge was winched into the body of the search and rescue helicopter, I wonder what he was thinking.
The man, who’d suffered a heart attack while walking in Snowdonia, certainly would not have known who the pilot was.
I can only imagine his surprise when he learnt he’d been rescued by our future king.
And, this, at a time when Prince William could legitimately have been on honeymoon with his new wife, whom he married only days before.
But instead the couple returned to their home in Anglesey.
Meanwhile, while the Prince was risking life and limb rescuing others, the Duchess was shopping in Waitrose, much to the surprise of the trolley collector, judging by the photographs in the press.
Even casually dressed, she was instantly recognisable.
I admire these two.
Their desire to lead their own lives and be in charge of their own destiny, as far as anyone in their position can be, is to be respected.
There was a time when it was regarded as a divine right for kings to rule.
Today, they must earn it.
Our Queen, the longest living British monarch ever, has more than earned the respect and love of her people.
Her son has prepared for years for his turn, which will come one day.
Prince William, in the meantime, is proving to us, and himself, that he, too, will be ready for this huge responsibility.
I have spoken with many constituents since the wedding and their view on the Royal couple is unanimous.
The Prince and his beautiful wife behaved with great dignity, winning all our hearts and hopes.
Even the most cynical could see that their affection for each other was genuine.
Now, while the Prince plucks the sick and injured off mountain tops, and his wife becomes accustomed to her new role, it’s surely up to us all to support this fledgling couple as they find their feet in an ever increasing turbulent world.