Image: MOD Crown Copyright 2023.
Naval aviators welcomed their new patron for the first time as Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales visited Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton in Somerset.
In her role as the Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm, the Princess of Wales spent three hours at the air station – which is home to front-line Merlin and Wildcat helicopters supporting Royal Navy and Royal Marine operations worldwide. Her Royal Highness’ introduction to naval aviation began with a roar as an F-35B Lightning ‘buzzed’ Yeovilton’s control tower; the stealth fighters are the most advanced aircraft in the UK’s military arsenal and are currently operating aboard the nation’s flagship, HMS Queen Elizabeth, on her autumn deployment