Prince William leaves Royal Air Force

Prince William has had his fun, but now it's time for him to get down to business -- the family business, that is.

William, new dad and future king, has spent the past seven years as a full-time member of the Royal Air Force as a rescue pilot.

"His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge is to leave operational service in the Armed Forces," a statement from the palace released Thursday said. "He completes his Tour with the Royal Air Force Search and Rescue Force at RAF Valley, Anglesey, after more than seven-and-a-half years of full-time military service."

William and his family, Kate, Duchess of Cambridge, and their two-month-old son Prince George, will move from their Anglesey cottage to Kensington palace within the next few weeks, and William is considering "a number of options for public service."

He plans to "expand his work in the field of conservation, particularly in respect of endangered species," the palace said. He will also become the president of a new collaboration among seven environmental groups, as well as focus on charities that deal with children, veterans and service members. "This is a transitional year for the Duke. He is still considering his options.

William finished up his tour with an "uneventful 24 hour shift," the defense ministry said.

"Throughout his tour his airmanship, often in the most demanding of conditions, has contributed directly to saving lives in the mountains of North Wales and from the ravages of the Irish Sea," the ministry said. "He has earned the respect of all who have worked with him as a highly professional and competent pilot."