Prince William's First Tour as Army Air Corps Commander
Regimental Leader's Initial Attendance - Initial appearance as regimental leader
On a crisp spring day in June, Prince William (42), the Duke of Cambridge and second in line to the British throne, paid a momentous visit to the military base of Wattisham Flying Station in Suffolk. This wasn't just an ordinary visit; it was his inaugural tour as the Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, a position previously held by his father, King Charles III (76), for 32 years.
A Navigator with a Pioneering Spirit
Prince William embarked on his military journey with the Blues and Royals, a regiment of the British Army's Household Cavalry. However, his true passion seemed to lie in the skies, and his flying prowess quickly became evident. From 2010 to 2013, he served honorably as a search and rescue helicopter pilot for the Royal Air Force (RAF) in Wales. His dedication and skill enabled him to carry out 156 life-saving missions, deploy to the Falkland Islands, and even qualify as an operational Captain.
Following his departure from military service, Prince William continued his aviation pursuits, working as a helicopter pilot for the East Anglian Air Ambulance until 2017 before taking on his royal duties full-time.
A Regime Change Revisited
Prince William's appointment as Colonel-in-Chief in May 2024 stirred quite a buzz. Initially, many believed his younger brother, Prince Harry (40), would take on the responsibility, given that he had served in the same regiment during his second Afghanistan deployment from 2012 to 2013. However, Harry's resignation from royal duties in 2020 eliminated him from the running for the esteemed position.
The transfer of responsibilities to Prince William was celebrated with a formal ceremony at the Army Aviation Centre in Hampshire in May 2024. Unfortunately, a series of unfortunate weather events forced Prince William to postpone his initial visit to the regiment, which finally took place on June 4, 2025.
A Regimental Tour Filled with Pride and Camaraderie
During his visit, the heir to the throne was keen to immerse himself in the experiences of his "new" regiment. He showed a particular interest in the insights gained from international deployments and the cutting-edge models of combat helicopters. The day's agenda was not all work and no play, though. Prince William demonstrated his competitive spirit by partaking in a combat sports training session, leaving the soldiers behind with a feeling of awe.
Moreover, he made a stop at the Archer's Breakfast, a weekly gathering of the courageous squadron, where he rewarded outstanding service by presenting a royal commendation and promoting several soldiers from corporal to sergeant. The festivities culminated in a warm gathering of soldiers, families, and the royal, where Prince William conceded to the alluring offering of fresh pastries.
Looking Back, Looking Forward
Prince William's visit to the 4 Regiment Army Air Corps was a substantial stepping stone in his journey as the Colonel-in-Chief. As the future king, his unwavering commitment to military service and his diligence in assuming key roles within the royal family bode well for the continued support and growth of the Army Air Corps.
- Prince William
- Prince Harry
- Suffolk
- Army Air Corps
- King Charles III
- Brother
Prince William, despite his brother Prince Harry's past military service, was appointed as the Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps in 2024, amidst much buzz. This significant position was previously held by King Charles III for 32 years in Suffolk.
Prince William, passionate about sports, demonstrated his competitive spirit by participating in a combat sports training session during his regimental tour, showcasing his versatility both in military and athletic pursuits.
