Who dares Wills

Royal backing for elite troops

- BY CHRIS HUGHES Defence and Security Editor

THEY are the nation's unsung heroes, elite troops operating in the shadows to keep us safe.

Now, in a royal first, the Mirror can reveal the SAS have earned the support of Prince William.

He has agreed to be patron of the SAS Regimental Association in a Christmas coup for the famously secretive special forces troops.

The 43-year-old heir to the throne privately agreed to support the group, whose motto is Who Dares Wins, in meetings recently.

A military source told the Mirror: "Prince William has visited the SAS and was delighted to accept becoming patron.

"This is a proud appointment and he will be a fantastic ambassador for the organisation, which has for many years supported this secretive group of people.

"The Prince has privately expressed pride in representing them and wants to ensure that the achievements of these soldiers live on and that their families are well taken care of.

"He has even wished them and their families well for the Christmas festivities"

UNITY

Military sources confirmed William is a huge supporter of the SAS, famous for its covert missions, defending the UK against terrorism and launching operations globally.

The 5,000-strong SASRA has taken care of the welfare of serving and ex-members of the elite military group since the end of the Second World War.

A registered charity, it proudly boasts: "No member or member's widow is ever turned away if the problem is a genuine one."

William is the first royal to become its patron, although Princess Anne is patron of the Special Forces Club.