Sporting the regiment’s distinctive blue beret, the Prince of Wales paid a visit to the Army Air Corps for the first time since being named Colonel-in-Chief.

During his visit with the 4 Regiment Army Air Corps (4AAC) at Wattisham Air Base in Suffolk, William learned all about the work of the Army Air Corps, including the 664 Squadron’s overseas tours and the newly-acquired aircrafts.

William became Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps in May 2024 at a handover ceremony with King Charles. The father-son pair attended a ceremony at the Army Flying Museum and Army Aviation Centre in Hampshire.

The Army Air Corps was formed in 1957 and uses army aircraft “to deliver hard-hitting and effective support to ground forces during the key stages of battle,” according to the British Army’s website. The soldiers are also tasked with reconnaissance and determining targets for fire strikes.

William then observed a combat PT session to see how soldiers train physically and mentally for the highly-specialised work they do. During a water break, he was overheard asking about the work-life pace for soldiers, quipping, “Some of [your families] might not want to see you that much. It’s a mixed bag.”

He was also overheard promising to speak to someone about updating the accommodations, telling soldiers, “It probably hasn’t been looked at for a while. There will be a big notebook on somebody’s desk. Whether they listen to me, that’s another matter.”

The future king also helped hand out breakfast at the weekly ‘Archer’s Breakfast’, which is hosted for the personnel and families of the 664 Squadron.

WO2 Matthew Foster told the Daily Mail afterwards that William’s commitment to the regiment had been noted and appreciated. “It’s great to have engagement from our colonel in chief for the families of serving soldiers. He’s great, very engaging. It was like he cares for the families of the units.”

Before wrapping up his visit, Prince William presented the King’s Commendation for Valuable Service and awarded promotions from Corporal to Sergeant for eligible soldiers.

“Thank you for the warm welcome and heartening to see the strength of the regiment’s community,” the Prince of Wales shared on his social media.

“A huge thank you to the soldiers and families of the AAC for the warm welcome—and for everything you do.”