He’s already trained as a helicopter pilot, completed over seven years of military service, and worked with the RAF’s Search and Rescue Force. Now, Prince William has taken another step closer to becoming a real-life James Bond.

The Duke of Cambridge just completed a top-secret internship with the U.K.’s national security and intelligence agencies, shadowing spies and learning about the extraordinary efforts made to protect the country and its allies.

William spent three consecutive weeks with teams at Britain’s MI5, MI6, and GCHQ—the equivalent to America’s FBI, CIA, and NSA, respectively—to see first-hand the work that staff across the agencies do.

His focus comes at a time when Britain’s international terrorism threat level has remained at “Severe” (meaning an attack is likely) for the fifth year in a row, making the future king’s interest in the country’s defense efforts even more important.

“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,” says the Prince.

Prince William attends the premiere of Our Planet at the Natural History Museum in London on Thursday, April 4, 2019. David M. Benett Getty Images

“These agencies are full of people from everyday backgrounds doing the most extraordinary work to keep us safe," he added. "They work in secret, often not even able to tell their family and friends about the work they do or the stresses they face.”

His assignment—protected by a media embargo for security reasons—began in March with a week at the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), also known as MI6, whose world-class agents work undercover overseas, developing contacts and gathering foreign intelligence to help make the country safer.

The prince was said to be fascinated throughout his week working at their iconic South Bank London headquarters, learning how the MI6 navigates threats and potential threats to the country’s national security and economic wellbeing.

For his second work assignment, William was based at the British Security Service, MI5, in London, where he shadowed counterterrorism units to learn how they conduct their investigations, with a focus on analysis and surveillance.

William’s third and final week was outside of the capital, commuting 90 miles by helicopter every morning to the Government Communications Headquarters (GCHQ), which works alongside the MI5, MI6, and law enforcement to protect the U.K. and its allies from cyber threats, terrorism, and organized crime.

Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge attend the 1st Battalion Irish Guards St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17, 2019. Max Mumby/Indigo Getty Images

The intelligence service has a close relationship with the National Security Agency (NSA) and the two work closely, using cutting-edge technologies to uncover digital threats and enhanced cyber defense strategies.

A source tells BAZAAR.com, “The placements didn’t happen because of an invitation. This is a strong area of interest for William and something he personally asked to do and aides at Kensington Palace to arrange.”

GCHQ’s head of counterterrorism operations David [surname redacted] says, “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 U.K. safe.”

As the Duke of Cambridge concluded his assignment last week, he said in a statement, “[These agencies] are driven by an unrivaled patriotism and dedication to upholding the values of this country. We all owe them deep gratitude for the difficult and dangerous work they do.”

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