Kate Middleton, The Princess of Wales, brought smiles and laughter to the Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) during her recent visit, marking her first public engagement since her husband, Prince William, embarked on his trip to the United States.
During her visit to RNAS, Kate took the opportunity to meet with staff and interact with an airborne Wildcat helicopter crew in the traffic control tower. However, what stood out was an unexpected and light-hearted moment when she tried on a lifejacket. Much to her surprise, the lifejacket inflated suddenly, leading the Princess to burst into fits of giggles.
Louise Evans-Hughes, a leading survival equipment technician, had thoughtfully warned Kate about the potential noise when the Velcro on the lifejacket is torn open. As expected, the lifejacket inflated upon Kate’s pull, triggering her joyful reaction. Quick to ensure Kate’s comfort, the technician promptly adjusted the lifejacket.
Kate’s visit was not limited to amusing surprises. She also had the opportunity to explore a Merlin Mk4 helicopter, a valuable asset employed by the Royal Marines for disaster relief efforts worldwide. Additionally, she ventured into a Merlin MK2, designed for missions focused on submarine detection. Displaying her adventurous spirit, the Duchess even tried her hand at piloting a Wildcat MK2 in a simulator, allowing her to practice flying over land and landing on ships.
This delightful and playful moment showcased The Princess of Wales’s approachable and down-to-earth demeanor during her official engagements.
