Princess of Wales Visits RNAS Yeovilton

Today, The Princess of Wales paid a visit to Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton, one of the Royal Navy’s two principal air stations, and one of the busiest military airfields in the UK. The base is home to a number of front-line squadrons and training units, including the Wildcat Maritime Force. The visit follows the recent announcement that His Majesty The King has appointed The Princess, Commodore-in-Chief, Fleet Air Arm (FAA).

During the visit, Her Royal Highness spent time in the Air Traffic Control tower, where she mettAir Traffic Control staff and spoke with an airborne Wildcat crew. In the tower, Her Royal Highness took time to visit the Visual Control Position to meet with staff and view aircraft operating to the airfield.

Next, Catherine had the opportunity to visit a hangar to engage with personnel and hear about different operations within the Fleet Air Arm. Her Royal Highness met Royal Navy Survival Equipment (SE) Technicians who provide specialist training and equipment to protect and enhance the Fleet Air Arm’s aviation operations. This ranges from daily support to aircrew including flotation equipment, helmets, and clothing.

Catherine took a chance to get stuck into training exercises.

The Princess then met servicemen and women and viewed two helicopters. First up the Merlin MK4, which is deployed by Royal Marine Commandos globally to provide disaster relief.

Next was the Merlin MK2 – an Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) platform which is used for a variety of activities including tracking submarines, supporting disaster relief operations and providing training for the next generation of engineers and aircrew.

To finish up her visit, Her Royal Highness went to the Wildcat Training Centre, to meet the loading team who are trained to fit a variety of weapons to the Wildcat MK2 helicopter. Following this, They gave her the chance to fly a Wildcat MK2 in a simulator which allows aircrew to practice flying over land or on to ships. I bet Prince George will be jealous when he hears about that!

Here is a look at her outfit today.