The Duke of Cambridge spends three weeks with Security and Intelligence Agencies
Published
The Duke of Cambridge has concluded a three week attachment to the United Kingdom’s Security and Intelligence Agencies (the Secret Intelligence Service, the Security Service and the Government Communications Headquarters).
The Duke of Cambridge's attachment comes as the three security services continue their vital work both at home and abroad to keep our people and our allies’ safe.
The Duke’s assignment began with a week at the Secret Intelligence Service – MI6 – who work secretly overseas, developing foreign contacts and gathering intelligence that helps to make the UK safer and more prosperous.
These agencies are full of people from everyday backgrounds doing the most extraordinary work to keep us safe.
The Secret Intelligence Service help the UK identify and exploit opportunities as well as navigate risks to its national security, military effectiveness and economy.
His second week was spent at the Security Service – MI5 – where he saw their work to protect our national security, particularly against threats from terrorism.
He finished his assignment at the Government Communications Headquarters in Cheltenham, where he spent time with those using cutting-edge technology, technical ingenuity and wide-ranging partnerships to identify, analyse and disrupt threats.
With the threat level for international terrorism in the UK set at SEVERE or above for the last five years, the Duke was keen to see first-hand the extraordinary work that staff across the Security and Intelligence Agencies do.
After completing the attachment, The Duke of Cambridge said:
“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.
These agencies are full of people from everyday backgrounds doing the most extraordinary work to keep us safe.
They work in secret, often not even able to tell their family and friends about the work they do or the stresses they face.
They are driven by an unrivalled patriotism and dedication to upholding the values of this country.
We all owe them deep gratitude for the difficult and dangerous work they do.”
David, GCHQ Head of Counter-Terrorism Operations said:
“Having The Duke of Cambridge spend time with our teams was an incredible opportunity. William worked exceptionally hard to embed himself in the team and comfortably held his own amongst some highly skilled analysts and operators.
His Royal Highness asked some probing questions and demonstrated a real grasp of our mission. This was a rare opportunity to expose, in detail, the technical ingenuity and problem solving skills needed on a daily basis to help keep the UK safe.”
