Prince William visited his former air base at RAF Valley in Anglesey, North Wales, to commemorate its 85th anniversary. Dressed in his military camouflage uniform, the Prince of Wales shared his affection for the base where he served as an RAF search and rescue pilot from 2010 to 2013. During the visit, he met with former colleagues and reminisced about his time there as a newlywed when he and the Duchess of Cambridge lived in Anglesey.
William expressed his fondness for the base and the camaraderie he experienced, mentioning that he missed the job and the close-knit team. He interacted with trainees at the station, encouraging them to cherish their time there and create lasting memories. The Prince also engaged in discussions about aviation and shared anecdotes about his favorite football team, Aston Villa.
As part of the anniversary celebration, William watched a parade and presented The Prince of Wales Award to honor the top flying instructor within the No. 4 Flying Training School. He also spoke with female members of the base, expressing his interest in understanding their experiences in the military and ensuring a welcoming environment for women in the armed forces.
Prince William’s visit was well-received by his former colleagues, who praised his friendly demeanor and professional competence as a pilot. His presence at the RAF station highlighted his connection to the area and his ongoing interest in military affairs and gender equality within the armed forces.