Prince of Wales reminisces with RAF

The Prince of Wales reminisced with the RAF on the island of Anglesey in Wales, where he was first stationed from 2010 to 2013.

Prince William visited the RAF Valley to mark its 85th anniversary as part of his role as Royal Honorary Air Commodore.

As part of his visit, he also presented the Prince of Wales Award to recognise the best Qualified Flying Instructor at the flight school.

Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

His visit began with an inspection of the troops before he handed out the annual award to Flying Officer Kieran D’Lima.

During his visit, he also met former colleagues, pilot instructor Brian Wills and chief maritime instructor Andy Batchelor, the former of whom shared that the Prince would like to return to flying.

For his part, Prince William told the troops about his fondness for the RAF and Anglesey, “I loved my time up here. It was great fun. Your time up here will go quickly, that’s the thing. You’ll look back with fond memories.”

He then added, “I do miss it. I miss the job, I miss the camaraderie.”

Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

The Prince of Wales last visited the RAF Valley in 2024.

The RAF Valley trains fighter pilots at the No 4 Flying Training School (4FTS) and also prepares soldiers for mountain and maritime operations. It first opened in February 1941.

Anglesey, which is the RAF’s only base in Wales, holds a special place in the heart of the Prince of Wales. He served as a search and rescue pilot there for three years, and it’s where he and the Princess of Wales first lived after their 2011 marriage.