Prince William Visits Air Force Base Where He Earned His Wings with Then-Girlfriend Kate Middleton by His Side

Prince William is revisiting his past while supporting his father, King Charles.

On Sept 12, the Prince of Wales, 42, returned to a Royal Air Force base where he earned his wings back in 2008 with his then-girlfriend Kate Middleton watching.

William represented his father at the Sovereign’s Parade at RAF College Cranwell in Lincolnshire. The appearance followed the prince’s recent trip to Wales on Sept. 10 and came shortly after Kate, 42, revealed in a personal video message that she had completed her chemotherapy treatment.

In her message, the Princess of Wales said her “path to healing and full recovery is long and I must continue to take each day as it comes.”

William, who has reduced his public engagements over the past nine months due to Kate’s cancer diagnosis, has felt more confident in resuming his duties and has plans for more outings this week. He is also preparing for a trip to Cape Town, South Africa, in November for the Earthshot Prize, which he will attend without Kate.

Upon his arrival on Sept 12, William received a Royal Salute and observed a flypast over the college. He then inspected the Guard’s front rank, presented four awards, and — in a brief speech congratulating the graduates — referred to his own experience at the base.

Calling it his “great honor to be with you today, representing my father,” William added, “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.”

“Whilst I didn’t graduate on this exact Parade Ground, I did graduate from flying training here so I know something about the celebrations that will come later, so I promise, I’ll only take a few minutes of your time!”

Forty-eight RAF Cadets were celebrated for completing their Commissioned Warrant Officers Course and Modular Initial Officer Training Course, joined by four International Officer Cadets from Jordan, Kenya, Pakistan, and Uganda.

Referring to the international contingent, William added, “Multi-national relationships are key to international defence, security, and peace. The relationships you have formed through training, will be key in allowing you to achieve success in future roles, and enhancing the security of all our nations.”

“The RAF has a distinctive character, spirit, and attitude, that enables you to pull together as a team to deliver air and space power, no matter the challenge or environment.”

William — who wore his Garter Star and his Garter Sash along with his Jubilee and Coronation medals and a Wing Commander’s uniform — added that “we live in a time of change and uncertainty, and you, as the future of the Royal Air Force, are the ones who will ensure that we are able to adapt and face future threats.”

After praising the staff for getting the new cadets to the required standard, he had a word for the loved-ones present.

“To the families and friends gathered here – thank you for your encouragement and understanding to get these brilliant men and women this far, and for the empathy, compromise, and dedication that will be required to give these officers every chance of success in their careers.”

Following the ceremony, William mingled with the new officers, their families, and friends in the College Dining Room, learning about their training experiences and future aspirations.

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The cadets underwent an intensive 24-week training program, equipping them with essential skills and knowledge for their future in the RAF.

For his part, Charles, who hosted the New Zealand women’s rugby team at Buckingham Palace on Sept. 11, is eagerly anticipating his upcoming trip with Queen Camilla to Australia and Samoa in October.