Prince William took to the skies once more as he carried out his first official visit to the 4 Regiment Army Air Corps (AAC) base at Wattisham, marking a significant return to his military roots.
The Prince of Wales, appointed Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps in May 2024, flew aboard a Wildcat reconnaissance helicopter—a powerful nod to his past experience as a Royal Air Force search and rescue pilot.
His new military title was officially conferred by King Charles III during a formal handover at the Army Aviation Centre in Middle Wallop, underscoring the continuation of royal family traditions in military leadership.
Honoring the Army Air Corps’ Legacy
Established in 1957, the Army Air Corps serves as the aviation branch of the British Army. It traces its origins to the Glider Pilot Regiment and the Air Observation Post Squadron, and continues to play a crucial role in modern military operations.
During the visit, Prince William landed at the Wattisham base and changed out of his flight gear into the Corps’ symbolic blue beret. He was then given a comprehensive tour of the base and briefed on the operational scope of the AAC.
He received updates on the work of 664 Squadron, which has been active in deployments across Norway, Finland, Sweden, Estonia, and Germany over the past year.
Return to Duties After Family Time
This royal engagement also marked Prince William’s return to public duties following a brief half-term break. Both the Prince and Princess of Wales had stepped back from public engagements to spend quality time with their children during their school holidays.
As Colonel-in-Chief, Prince William is expected to play a more prominent role in supporting the Army Air Corps and its evolving mission. His visit to Wattisham underscores his ongoing commitment to military service and his deep connection to aviation.
