Prince William made a surprise visit to the Sovereign’s Parade at RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire, filling in for his dad who needed some rest.
The event was extra special for William; it brought back memories of 2008 when he earned his wings at the same place and Kate Middleton, then his girlfriend, was cheering him on. For that occasion, Kate wore a white coat and black boots, styles she would often choose as she stepped into royal duties. The couple had been together since 2001 and many saw this event as a sign they were getting closer to their engagement.
During the ceremony, William got a royal salute and watched a flypast over the college. Then he got busy inspecting ranks, giving out awards, and making a short speech to congratulate everyone there. His uniform looked sharp with the Garter Star and Garter Sash plus his Jubilee and Coronation medals.
William expressed how honored he felt saying, “Being here today for my father is wonderful; seeing so many family members supporting you is really inspiring.” He shared how he also graduated from flying training at this base even if not on that exact parade ground. He promised he’d keep it short because celebrations were waiting.
He mentioned how important international friendships are for defense and peace. The bonds formed during training will help you succeed in your future roles 🌍