Prince William will make his first visit to Army Air Corps regiments at Wattisham, Suffolk, next Thursday, arriving by Wildcat helicopter.
The January 16 engagement marks the Prince of Wales’s inaugural visit to the regiments since becoming Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps.
During his time at Wattisham Flying Station, the future King will receive a comprehensive overview of the AAC’s operations.
The prince will observe various training activities, including British Army Warrior Fitness sessions and high-performance skills training on the astroturf.
The visit will provide an opportunity for the William to gain first-hand experience of the regiments and meet service personnel from across both units.
The Wildcat helicopter that will transport the 42-year-old is a vital reconnaissance aircraft in the AAC’s fleet.
During his visit, Prince William will meet with teams undertaking physical training at the on-site facilities.
The Prince will also engage with serving personnel who participate in mixed netball, football and cross-country teams, discussing how physical activity supports their wellbeing.
A key part of the visit will include time in the Sergeants Mess, where the father of three will meet soldiers and their families.
These interactions will include conversations with personnel who have been deployed overseas, as well as newly recruited soldiers to the AAC.
Discussions will focus on the real-life experiences of regiment members, exploring themes of resilience and adaptability.
The meetings will also address the importance of maintaining both mental and physical wellbeing within the service.
The Army Air Corps, established in 1957 and recognisable by their distinctive blue berets, serves as the combat aviation arm of the British Army.
Prince William assumed the role of Colonel-in-Chief in May 2024, when King Charles officially transferred the position during a ceremony at the Army Aviation Centre in Middle Wallop.
The AAC, which evolved from the Glider Pilot Regiment and Air Observation Post Squadrons, operates Wildcat Battlefield Reconnaissance and Apache Attack helicopters to identify and defeat enemy forces.
The AAC maintains a strong presence across the UK, with bases in Hampshire, Shropshire, Somerset and Suffolk.
