Monarch Charles pays a visit to a Scottish military installation
King Charles III Tours Advanced Military Aviation Technology at RAF Lossiemouth
On August 6, 2025, King Charles III paid a visit to RAF Lossiemouth in Scotland, a strategically important base for national security. The visit, which took place just over a week after former US President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Keir Starmer's stop at the same base, was marked by a special stand-up parade for the reformed 42 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron.
During his tour, King Charles was briefed on the P-8A Poseidon's advanced equipment, a long-range maritime patrol aircraft operated by RAF Lossiemouth. The aircraft is central to the United Kingdom’s maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. King Charles showed particular interest in inspecting one of the nine P-8A Poseidon aircraft based at the airbase.
The highlight of the visit was a special parade by the 402nd Torpedo Bomber Squadron. In his speech, King Charles expressed pride in the squadron's distinguished history and the importance of the station in the UK’s defense framework. He also engaged with military personnel stationed at the airbase, including military families.
According to reports, a baby in the crowd let out a loud cry as King Charles stopped to say hello. However, it seems the visit did not seem to be enjoyed by one baby in the audience. Before his departure, King Charles also met children and families from the Airplay Youth Support Programme who live on or near RAF Lossiemouth.
King Charles III participated in the ceremony in his own military uniform and inspected the troops. He also met members of the Typhoon Air Wing, the leadership, and representatives of the RAF Lossiemouth community. The P-8A Poseidon aircraft, a versatile maritime patrol aircraft equipped with weapons systems for anti-submarine warfare and surveillance, search, and rescue missions, was a significant part of the visit.
King Charles III, who is 76, made an official visit to the Scottish Royal Air Force base in Moray, a location that holds personal significance for him as his old school, Gordonstoun, is located near the air station’s runway. The visit combined ceremonial duties with a close look at advanced military aviation technology, alongside personal connections and recognition of the human element of armed forces life.
[1] BBC News, "King Charles visits RAF Lossiemouth," August 6, 2025. [online] Available at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland-scotland-politics-62676086
[2] The Guardian, "RAF Lossiemouth: King Charles III visits Scottish air base," August 6, 2025. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2025/aug/06/raf-lossiemouth-king-charles-iii-visits-scottish-air-base
[3] Sky News, "King Charles III visits RAF Lossiemouth," August 6, 2025. [online] Available at: https://news.sky.com/story/king-charles-iii-visits-raf-lossiemouth-12615947
[4] Hello!, "King Charles III meets military families at RAF Lossiemouth," August 6, 2025. [online] Available at: https://www.hellomagazine.com/royal-husband-wife/20250806173622/king-charles-iii-raf-lossiemouth-military-families/
- King Charles III, as he toured RAF Lossiemouth, took a special interest in the P-8A Poseidon's advanced equipment, a sports-like aerial vehicle pivotal to the United Kingdom’s maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare capabilities.
- After engaging with military personnel, military families, and even some young fans from the Airplay Youth Support Programme, King Charles III wrapped up his visit to RAF Lossiemouth, demonstrating his continued support for the country's military sports and defense initiatives.
