The Prince of Wales attended the Sovereign’s Parade at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell on Thursday, honouring a long-standing tradition of celebrating newly-commissioned officers with a member of the Royal Family.
William, who himself trained at Cranwell for his RAF wings, was representing The King and received a royal salute and a flypast on arrival at the Lincolnshire base.
The Prince of Wales was the Reviewing Officer for the Sovereign’s Review at Royal Air Force Cranwell. (Ministry of Defence)
The event marks the completion of 24 weeks’ officer training for the graduates, who will now go on to serve in the air force, and is a highlight of the military calendar.
After inspecting the parade of 52 graduating officers – comprised of 48 Royal Air Force cadets and four international officer cadets – the father-of-three presented prizes to the top performing cadets from the course.
The Prince donned his ceremonial day dress of a Wing Commander uniform – a position he was granted in November last year – featuring the cipher of both Elizabeth II and Charles III on his epaulette, as well as his new beard seen at only a couple of recent royal events.
A change of rules in 2019 meant that serving RAF personnel were allowed to have ‘a smart, neatly-trimmed, full set beard’, with the approval of their commanding officer; the move was made to promote inclusivity. However, given William is no longer an active officer, these rules do not apply to him.
The beard was not the only addition to the royal party – Lady Sarah McCorquodale joined her nephew for the event. She lives in the area and reports suggest her attendance was a show of support.
In a speech, he praised the graduates for their achievement and looked to the future – their future – serving as officers in a time when the world faces numerous geopolitical tensions and uncertainties.
Speaking to the new officers and their families, William said: ‘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.
Prince William speaks to newly-commissioned officers at RAF Cranwell (Ministry of Defence)
‘I do want to take this moment though, to highlight not only the importance of your achievements to date but also that of the roles you will play in supporting the futures of your countries’ air forces.
‘I say ‘your countries’, as I know that in addition to our newest Royal Air Force officers on parade today, there are also officers from Jordan, Kenya, Pakistan and Uganda,’ he 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.’
A flypast by one Typhoon aircraft, from Number 41 Squadron based at RAF Coningsby, marked the conclusion of the parade. After the parade, the future King spoke to the officers indoors in the Mess, to hear about their experiences and offer personal congratulations.
2024’s Sovereign’s Parade additionally marked the 90th anniversary of College Hall Officers’ Mess, which was officially opened on 11 October 1934 by the the future Edward VIII, and formed the final part of William’s visit.
The Prince of Wales met with the graduating officers, families and friends in College Hall Officers’ Mess at Cranwell. (Ministry of Defence)
Newly-commissioned officers were grateful for The Prince of Wales time and spoke of his visit fondly. Pilot Officer Alexandra Manser-Jeffery told Forces News: ‘It’s the greatest honour, I think, any of us could have wished for. And his speech was incredibly moving.’
‘He made time for everyone,’ said Pilot Officer Manser-Jeffery. ‘So, to have him here and for him to be invested in us and our future careers, it’s a real honour.
‘It’s the culmination of hard work, being away from our families, and being able to celebrate with them in this setting today – it’s such an honour.’
