Returning to his past, Prince William demonstrated support for his father, King Charles, on September 12. The Prince of Wales, 42, revisited a Royal Air Force base where he earned his wings in 2008, with his then-girlfriend Kate Middleton by his side.
William attended the Sovereign’s Parade at RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire on behalf of his father. This event followed his recent visit to Wales on September 10 and came soon after Kate, 42, disclosed in a personal video message that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment.
Prince William, representing King Charles, attends RAF Sovereign’s Parade and shares personal reflections on his training
In her video message, the Princess of Wales acknowledged that her “path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.” Despite reducing his public engagements over the past nine months due to Kate’s cancer diagnosis, William is feeling more confident and is planning additional appearances this week. He is also gearing up for a trip to Cape Town, South Africa, in November for the Earthshot Prize, which he will attend without Kate.
Upon his arrival on September 12, William was honored with a Royal Salute and observed a flypast over the college. He then inspected the Guard’s front rank, presented four awards, and in his brief speech, he reminisced about his own experiences at the base.
William expressed, “It is my great honor to be with you today, representing my father,” and continued, “I am delighted to see so many family and friends here — I know their love and support will have been instrumental in getting you to this point.”
He humorously noted, “Although I didn’t graduate on this exact Parade Ground, I did complete my flying training here, so I understand the celebrations that follow. I promise I’ll only take a few minutes of your time!”
Forty-eight RAF Cadets were honored for completing their Commissioned Warrant Officers Course and Modular Initial Officer Training Course, alongside four International Officer Cadets from Jordan, Kenya, Pakistan, and Uganda.
Addressing the international attendees, William remarked, “Multi-national relationships are crucial for international defense, security, and peace. The connections you have forged through your training will be vital for your future roles and for enhancing the security of all our nations.”
He emphasized the RAF’s unique character, saying, “The RAF possesses a distinctive spirit and attitude that enables you to unite as a team to deliver air and space power, regardless of the challenges or environment.”
Wearing his Garter Star, Garter Sash, Jubilee and Coronation medals, and a Wing Commander’s uniform, William added, “We live in a time of change and uncertainty, and you, as the future of the Royal Air Force, will ensure that we adapt and face future threats.”
In addition to praising the staff for preparing the new cadets, he addressed the families and friends present: “Thank you for your encouragement and understanding in helping these brilliant men and women reach this point, and for the empathy, compromise, and dedication that will be necessary for their success.”
After the ceremony, William interacted with the new officers and their families in the College Dining Room, learning about their training experiences and future aspirations.
Princess Diana’s eldest sister, Lady Sarah McCorquodale, who lives nearby, attended the event to support Prince William. Despite her private life, Sarah, along with Diana’s other siblings, Lady Jane Fellowes and Earl Charles Spencer, has frequently shown support for both Prince William and Prince Harry. Sarah was present at the 2008 ceremony where William earned his wings, alongside Kate Middleton, Queen Camilla, and King Charles.
Meanwhile, King Charles, who hosted the New Zealand women’s rugby team at Buckingham Palace on September 11, is looking forward to his upcoming trip with Queen Camilla to Australia and Samoa in October.
