Kate Middleton visits Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton on September 18, 2023.Photo:Samir Hussein/WireImage
Samir Hussein/WireImage
Kate Middletonis making her debut as the Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm.
The Princess of Wales, 41, visited the Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton in Somerset on Monday, marking the first outing in hernew royal role. Over the summer, King Charles appointed his daughter-in-law as the Commodore-in-Chief, Fleet Air Arm (FAA). She took over the role fromPrince Andrew, who held the position until 2022.
The airbase, which is one of the busiest military airfields in the U.K., is home to a number of frontline squadrons and training units. During her visit, Kate took part in training on a helicopter flight simulator and tried out some survival equipment.
Princess Kate toured the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower, where she met staff and viewed the aircraft operating on the airfield, and spoke with an airborne Wildcat helicopter crew.
Princess Kate during a visit Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton.Ben Birchall/PA Images via Getty Images
Ben Birchall/PA Images via Getty Images
She then headed to a hangar to see aircrew and other personnel including the Royal Navy Survival Equipment (SE) Technicians who provide support to aircrew including flotation equipment, helmets and clothing. The technicians led her in some training exercises with the technicians.
Her children —Prince George, 10,Princess Charlotte, 8, andPrince Louis, 5 — are bound to be envious when they hear that she was shown around Merlin MK4 helicopter, which the Royal Marine Commandos use around the world to provide disaster relief.
The crews also displayed how another model, the Merlin MK2, is used as an Anti-Submarine Warfare platform to track submarines, supporting disaster relief operations and providing training for the next generation of engineers and aircrew.
Kate Middleton inflates a life vest on Sept. 18, 2023.ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images (3)
ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images (3)
Over the summer, Princess Kate andPrince Williamhad a family fun day out at another airbase, spending the day at the world’s largest military air show, the Royal International Air Tattoo at Royal Air Force (RAF) Fairford in Gloucestershire, England. They brought along George, Charlotte and Louis to see some planes and view helicopters.
Kate Middleton during her visit to Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton.ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images
ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images
Kate Middleton visits Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton on Sept. 18, 2023.ADRIAN DENNIS/AFP via Getty Images
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Princess Kate’s outing came as her husband started his two-day visit to New York City.
It will also be aquick tripto the Big Apple for the Prince of Wales. He’ll likely head back to the U.K. shortly after his outings in the U.S. wrap on Tuesday, asKing CharlesandQueen Camillaare also heading overseas this week. Buckingham Palace previously announced that the couple will head to France from Sept. 20 to Sept. 22 for a state visit. King Charles, 74, and Queen Camilla, 76, were originally scheduled to visit the country in March, but theypostponed the tripdue to riots happening across France at the time.
Although Prince William is not required to be in the U.K. when his father is overseas, he is one of the King’sCounsellors of State— one of the royals who can carry out constitutional duties for King Charles if he is abroad or unwell.
Kate Middleton visits Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton on Sept. 18, 2023.Ben Birchall/PA Images via Getty Images
source: people.com
