Prince of Wales dons flight gear and blue beret in new ceremonial role
Prince William returned to the skies this week during his first official visit to the 4 Regiment Army Air Corps (AAC) base at Wattisham.
The Prince of Wales, appointed Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps in May 2024, took to the air in a Wildcat reconnaissance helicopter — a fitting nod to his previous experience as a Royal Air Force search and rescue pilot.
His appointment followed a formal handover from King Charles at the Army Aviation Centre in Middle Wallop earlier this year.
Formed in 1957, the Army Air Corps serves as the British Army’s aviation wing, carrying forward the legacy of the Glider Pilot Regiment and the Air Observation Post Squadron.
After landing at Wattisham, William swapped his flight gear for the Corps’ signature blue beret before touring the base. He received briefings on the AAC’s operations, including insights into 664 Squadron’s overseas missions.
Over the past year, AAC squadrons have been deployed on operations across Europe, with activity in Norway, Finland, Sweden, Estonia, and Germany.
The visit marked William’s return to public duties following a half-term break spent with his children. Both the Prince and Princess of Wales had paused engagements last week to spend family time while the children were off school.
