Prince William soars into new role with Army Air Corps visit

Prince William returned to the skies during his first official visit to the 4 Regiment Army Air Corps (AAC) base at Wattinsham.

The Prince of Wales, who became Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps in May 2024, took the air in a Wildcat reconnaissance helicopter-a nod to his past service as Royal Air Force search and rescue pilot.

His appointment came when King Charles formally passed down the role at the Army Aviation Centre inb Middle Wallop. 

Formed in 1957, The Army Air Corps is the British Army's aviation wing, built on the legacy of the Glider Pilot Regiment and the Air Observation Post Squadron.

After landing at the Wattisham base, Prince William changed out of his flight gear and donned the Corps' signature blue beret. He then toured the base and received briefings on the operations and missions of the ACC, including insights into 664 Squadron's overseas deployments.

Over the past year, AAC squadrons have conducted missions in several countries, including Norway, Finland, Sweden, Estonia, and Germany.

The engagement marked Prince William's return to royal duties following a half-term break spent with his children. Both the Prince and Princess of Wales paused public engagements last week to spend time with their family while the children were off school.