THE Princess of Wales travelled to Somerset to visit RNAS Yeovilton this morning.
Princess Catherine arrived at the Royal Naval Air Station at around 11am today, travelling in the Royal helicopter, now owned by her father-in-law King Charles III.
Recently appointed Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm by the King, Princess Kate undertook several tasks and exercises during her three-hour visit to the air base.
She firstly took a trip to the air traffic control tower, which was 'buzzed' by an F-35B fighter jet upon her arrival.
The future Queen consort spoke with Royal Navy air traffic controllers situated at RNAS Yeovilton, who helped her to safely guide a Wildcat helicopter in to land.
Princess Catherine then visited one of the hangars at the base to speak with junior personnel and Survival Equipment Technicians who provide and maintain specialist survival equipment and deliver specialist training on its use.
The Princess got a hands-on look at the equipment, and tried out a military-grade life jacket.
She was also shown the Navy’s primary Anti-Submarine Warfare helicopter, the Merlin MK2, as well as being briefed on their new Banshee Drones.
Lieutenant Commander Marcus Pennant, the squadron’s Commanding Officer, said: “She was fantastic, genuinely interested, really personable and for me it was a great opportunity and a privilege to meet her.
700X engineer Leading Hand Chloe Chapman spoke with the Princess, who revealed she played the Top Gun soundtrack for Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis on this morning's school run, as they were "very jealous" that she would get to see the planes and helicopters at the air station.
Danielle Beckinsale, who maintains Merlin helicopters which support Royal Marines operations, said: "I’ve never met royalty before and wasn’t sure what to expect, but she was very down to earth.
“She was really, really nice, really genuine and interested in the role of a female engineer.”
The Princess of Wales' visit finished with a tour and demonstration at the Wildcat Training Centre, in which personnel learn to fly, as well as gain engineering skills and learn how to load weapons.
A Wildcat 'Flight' team demonstrated how weapons are loaded onto a Wildcat helicopter, before Kate herself piloted a Wildcat on a state-of-the-art simulator.
Captain Duncan Thomas, RNAS Yeovilton’s Commanding Officer, said: "I am delighted and privileged to have welcomed Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales to the Royal Naval Air Station Yeovilton, at the start of what I am sure will be a long and rewarding relationship in her capacity as Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm.
"We provided an initial introduction to our wonderful servicemen and women who work in the Fleet Air Arm here, as well as a demonstration of some of the exceptional capabilities the Fleet Air Arm operates for the Royal Navy.
"We’ve all been hugely excited by this opportunity and I am delighted that Her Royal Highness will be able to support and inspire our exceptionally talented sailors, aircrew and wider workforce family for years to come."
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