Prince William's First Visit as the Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps
Debut as Commander of His Regiment for the First Time - Initial appearance as regiment leader
Readying his flight suit and aviator shades, Prince William (42), now the Prince of Wales, paid a visit to Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk on Wednesday, marking his first official engagement as the Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps. Previously, this position belonged to his younger brother, Prince Harry (40), who had been intended to hold the post.
Exploring the Modernized Military
During his visit, William took the opportunity to delve deep into the workings of "his" regiment, which supplies combat helicopters to the British Army.per the DailyMail report, he showed a keen interest in international deployments experiences, innovative combat helicopter models, and other modernization efforts.
The program featured hands-on activities: William participated in a tactical combat sports session and dropped by the Archer's Breakfast, a weekly get-together for squadron members and their families, where he handed out fresh pastries. On top of that, the Prince present a royal commendation for exceptional service and promoted several soldiers from Corporal to Sergeant.
The Commotion over the Reign
The appointment of William as the Army Air Corps' regimental commander stirred quite a fuss in 2023. Some people believed Harry, who had served in this regiment himself, would be the obvious choice. The Duke of Sussex served Apache helicopters during his second Afghanistan deployment from 2012 to 2013. However, after his resignation from royal duties in 2020, Harry was ruled out of the running for the regimental commander position.
The official baton-pass ceremony took place at the Army Aviation Centre in Hampshire in May 2024, with the visit originally planned for January but postponed due to inclement weather.
A Proven Flyboy
William isn't new to the skies, having accrued personal flying experience even before becoming the regimental commander. From 2010 to 2013, he served in the search and rescue unit of the Royal Air Force in Wales. Following that, he worked as a rescue helicopter pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance until 2017, before transitioning fully back into royal duties. Since leaving military service, he hasn't taken on comparable military roles.
King Charles, who had served as the Colonel-in-Chief for 32 years, wholeheartedly praised William's piloting abilities, "The best part is that he's an excellent pilot - that's great to see", as reported by Hello! magazine at the handover ceremony.
Insights into Military Modernization
- William showed interest in international deployments experiences and new combat helicopter models during his visit.
Ex-Regiment of His Brother
- People expected Harry to become the regimental commander, but his resignation from royal duties in 2020 barred him from the position.
"A Really Very Good Pilot"
- William's role in the military spans several ranks and roles, including his time as a rescue helicopter pilot.
Prince William's Military Career
- From his career as an Officer Cadet to his present role as the Prince of Wales, Prince William has amassed significant military service experience.
- His roles range from serving with the RAF's Search and Rescue Force to being the Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps.
- He also holds several honorary military appointments, including Commodore-in-Chief, Royal Navy Submarine Service, and Commodore-in-Chief, Scotland.
- Prince William's military career highlights his dedication to service and his gradual progression through various ranks and roles within the British Armed Forces.
Prince William, who has served in the military, showcased his passion for sports during his visit to Wattisham Flying Station. He participated in a tactical combat sports session, demonstrating his capabilities beyond his aviation pursuits.
Prince Harry, William's brother,served in the Army Air Corps as well, particularly during his second Afghanistan deployment from 2012 to 2013. Despite his military background, his resignation from royal duties in 2020 prevented him from becoming the regimental commander of the Army Air Corps when Prince William took over.
