His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales served as the Reviewing Officer for the prestigious Sovereign’s Review at Royal Air Force Cranwell this week, marking a proud moment for 52 newly commissioned officers.
Accompanied by Air Commodore John Lyle, the Prince arrived on the College Parade Square to take the Royal Salute and inspect the graduating cadets, acknowledging the top performers with special awards.
Among those honoured were cadets from the Modular Initial Officer Training Course Number 29 and the Commissioned Warrant Officer Course. After presenting prizes to outstanding cadets, His Royal Highness paid tribute to their dedication and hard work.
The event also held particular significance as it marked the 90th anniversary of the College Hall Officers’ Mess, which was opened by the Prince of Wales in 1934, later to become King Edward VIII. In a nod to that historic connection, the day’s ceremonies concluded with a spectacular flypast by a Typhoon aircraft from Number 41 Squadron based at RAF Coningsby.
The Band of the Royal Air Force College, under the direction of Wing Commander Richard Murray, provided stirring musical accompaniment throughout the event. Following the parade, His Royal Highness met with the newly commissioned officers, their families, and friends at College Hall Officers’ Mess, further cementing the long-standing connection between the Royal Family and the RAF.
This visit continues a rich tradition of royal involvement with the Armed Forces and reflects the enduring bond between the Royal Family and those who serve in the defence of the United Kingdom.
