Prince William recently revisited his old stomping grounds at RAF Valley in Anglesey to celebrate the station’s 85th anniversary. Sporting his RAF uniform, William was all smiles as he reunited with former colleagues and reflected on his days as a search and rescue pilot from 2010 to 2013. He described his time there as filled with “fond memories” and admitted he’d return “in a heartbeat.”
During the visit, William chatted with old friends, including pilot instructor Brian Wills and Andy Batchelor, catching up on flying experiences. His enthusiasm and down-to-earth nature clearly left a lasting impression, with Batchelor noting, “He just wanted to be Will, part of the team.”
William also offered aspiring pilots some heartfelt advice, reminiscing about the camaraderie and thrill of the job. Plus, he couldn’t resist a cheeky football banter when a trainee brought up Aston Villa, William’s beloved club.
The Prince concluded his visit by observing a ceremonial parade and presenting the prestigious Prince of Wales Award to an outstanding instructor. Before leaving, he engaged with female personnel at the base, addressing concerns about women’s experiences in the military and emphasising the importance of evolving the armed forces to be more inclusive. William’s visit was not just a trip down memory lane but a reflection of his continuous bond with RAF Valley and its people.