The Prince of Wales has made his first visit as Colonel-in-Chief to the Army Air Corps today, travelling to 4 Regiment Army Air Corps at Wattisham.
The visit provided the Prince of Wales with a firsthand introduction to the regiment's operations.
The Prince became Colonel-in-Chief in May 2024, when the King officially handed over the role at the Army Aviation Centre in Middle Wallop.
The Army Air Corps is the combat aviation arm of the British Army, formed in 1957 on the foundations of the Glider Pilot Regiment and the Air Observation Post Squadron.
The Prince of Wales has made his first visit as Colonel-in-Chief to the Army Air Corps today, travelling to 4 Regiment Army Air Corps at Wattisham.
Kensington Palace
On arrival, William received an overview on the work of the AAC before hearing about 664 Squadron's operational lessons from overseas tours.
The Prince learned how soldiers are adapting to the new capabilities of the recently acquired Apache AH-64E helicopter.
Over the past 12 months, AAC squadrons have been deployed to Norway, Finland, Sweden, Estonia, and Germany.
Following the briefings, The Prince observed a combat PT session, which will illustrate the requirement for physical and mental robustness within the AAC as well as the need to develop team skills including problem-solving, communication, and leadership.
The visit provided the Prince of Wales with a firsthand introduction to the regiment's operations.
Kensington Palace
He then joined the 'Archer's Breakfast' a weekly social event held by 664 Squadron for its personnel and their families.
This included soldiers who have deployed overseas as well as soldiers who have recently joined the unit.
Finally, the Prince presented a King's Commendation for Valuable Service as well as award soldiers their promotion from Corporal to Sergeant.
The Army Air Corps is made up of several regiments, recognisable by their distinctive blue berets, with locations in Hampshire, Shropshire, Somerset and Suffolk where soldiers train in the UK skies in readiness for combat operations across the world.
The Prince became Colonel-in-Chief in May 2024, when the King officially handed over the role at the Army Aviation Centre in Middle Wallop.
Kensington Palace
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Finally, the Prince presented a King's Commendation for Valuable Service as well as award soldiers their promotion from Corporal to Sergeant.
Kensington Palace
The engagement marked Prince William's first royal duties after spending last week's half-term break with his children.
The Prince and Princess of Wales did not undertake any engagements last week as their children were off school.
Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis returned to school this week.
The young royals are expected to join their parents and King Charles for Trooping the Colour later this month.
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