Prince William saw in the New Year battling 50mph winds from the cockpit of his Sea King search and rescue helicopter, reports the Mirror.
The Duke of Cambridge was part of a team searching for a 41-year-old man swept into the sea in Blackpool whilst taking his dog for a walk just after midnight on Tuesday.
The Prince was scrambled from his base, RAF Valley on Anglesey, north Wales and along with police and coastguard units, conducted a frantic search for the man.
Strong winds made rescue conditions "quite difficult" said the coastguard
The Sun report William's helicopter searched for 90 minutes before being stood down.
Crosby coastguard said it was "highly unlikely" the man survived.
Another man who was also swept out managed to return to shore to raise the alarm.
The Prince's pregnant wife, Kate, spent the New Year with her parents, unaware of the rescue mission, reports the Daily Record.