Prince William wears his military uniform to celebrate 100 years of the Royal Australian Air Force
Kensington Palace Prince william
Prince William sends a special message to the Royal Australian Air Force.
The royal, who served as a helicopter pilot in the Royal Air Force, sported his military uniform for a video message marking the RAAF’s 100th anniversary on Wednesday.
In his speech, Prince William congratulated the RAAF on its “exceptional reputation for resilience, innovation and dedication to duty”.
“In the past 12 months Australia has faced the challenges of terrible bushfires and a global pandemic,†he said. “The Royal Australian Air Force has once again shown its ability to respond quickly to support Australians in need.”
Prince William, 38, noted that there was a “special bond” between the UK’s Royal Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force which he witnessed first-hand during his service.
“More recently Catherine and I have been hosted at a number of Royal Australian Air Force bases and have enjoyed hearing the stories of the personnel on duty,†he added.
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Prince William concluded: “Although your second century is very different from the first, I am sure that future generations of military personnel will carry on the proud legacy established by courageous and hardworking Australians during the first 100 years of the Royal Australian Air. Obligate.”
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Steve REIGATE / POOL / AFP) (Photo by STEVE REIGATE / POOL / AFP via Getty queen elizabeth
Queen Elizabeth, 94, marked the occasion with her first public outing of 2021 by visiting the CWGC Air Forces Memorial in Surrey, a short drive from Windsor Castle where she is staying with her husband, Prince Philip, 99 years.
The monarch wore a spring-ready ensemble, a light green coat, and a matching wide-brimmed hat adorned with yellow flowers. She accessorized with the Australian acacia brooch, depicting Australia’s national flower – and of course, her signature gloves and Launer handbag.
STEVE REIGATE / POOL / AFP via Getty queen elizabeth
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Although the Queen did not wear a face mask, the ceremony was socially distanced. The monarch was vaccinated against COVID-19 in January.
After a wreath was laid in Queen Elizabeth’s name, she saw signs with the names of Australia’s war dead and a display of fallen airmen and women in the memorial cloister. She also met with Royal Australian Air Force personnel and signed a commemorative document.