Prince William has touched down in some controversy after a British tabloid reported Sunday that he landed an air force chopper at his girlfriend's parents' home.
The British military has confirmed the incident, which occurred during a training flight. A Ministry of Defence statement says that the landing at Kate Middleton's parents' farm was authorized and was part of the prince's Royal Air Force pilot training.
The statement says that "the aircraft landed in the field, after taking all necessary safety precautions, and was on the ground for 20 seconds".
According to the ministry, no one got on or off the Chinook helicopter.
The English media are criticizing the incident. The News of the World tabloid called the stunt a "Royal heir farce."
"William's jaunts risk testing the public's patience with the monarchy," according to an editorial in the newspaper.
The landing occurred only days after the prince reportedly used a military aircraft to get to what was described as a "stag weekend."
Some military analysts have suggested that the prince has been allowed to do too much at his level of training. Taxpayer groups have also criticized the latest incident, which they say did not use important military equipment properly. Critics have suggested that the prince -- who is unlikely to ever see combat -- was just showing off for his girlfriend.
But the Ministry of Defence statement defended the exercise.
"Battlefield helicopter crews routinely practice landing in fields and confined spaces away from their airfields as a vital part of their training for operations," it said.
The ministry also said it doesn't have enough landing sites and often uses private property as part of its training exercises. William's training is part of his preparation to become king and ceremonial head of Britain's military.
Military officials have noted previously that it is possible that the Prince could be deployed to regions such as the South Atlantic, the Persian Gulf, or West Indies. He would likely serve a tour on board a navy warship.
With files from The Associated Press
