Prince William visits Army Air Corps

Prince William has visited the Army Air Corps (AAC) in Wattisham.

The Prince of Wales, who arrived by helicopter, learned about the regiment’s work and received insight into what the soldiers learned while overseas. He seemed particularly concerned about the welfare of the soldiers and their accommodations.

The soldiers spent the past year in European countries such as Estonia, Germany, Finland, Norway, and Sweden.

William received a tour of the airfield and heard about the AAC’s activities before attending the weekly ‘Archer’s Breakfast’ held by the 664 Squadron for soldiers and their families.

The Prince even made a joke during the social event that families do not always want to see each other.

Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

“Some of them might not want to see you that much. It’s a mixed bag,” he joked.

Prince William also presented the King’s Commendation for Valuable Service and awarded promotions to soldiers from Corporal to Sergeant.

This was the Prince’s first visit as Colonel-in-Chief of the AAC. William became Colonel-in-Chief in May 2024 when the King handed over the role at the Army Aviation Centre in Middle Wallop.

He was due to visit in January, but bad weather meant that the visit had to be postponed.

The AAC is a combat aviation arm of the British Army and was formed in 1957 on the foundations of the Glider Pilot Regiment and the Air Observation Post Squadron.