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Princess of Wales makes first visit to RAF Coningsby Princess of Wales makes first visit to RAF Coningsby
(about 1 hour later)
The princess was shown a Typhoon aircraft which provides quick response protection for UK airspaceThe princess was shown a Typhoon aircraft which provides quick response protection for UK airspace
Catherine, Princess of Wales, has carried out her first visit to one of the UK's most important RAF stations. Catherine, Princess of Wales performed a loop-the-loop in a flight simulator during her first visit to one of the UK's most important RAF stations.
RAF Coningsby is home to the Typhoon jets that protect the country's airspace. The princess became royal honorary air commodore of the base in 2023.RAF Coningsby is home to the Typhoon jets that protect the country's airspace. The princess became royal honorary air commodore of the base in 2023.
She met RAF personnel and their families, as well as viewing aircraft and a newly opened training facility.She met RAF personnel and their families, as well as viewing aircraft and a newly opened training facility.
The princess also stepped into a state-of-the-art Typhoon flight simulator, in which she "flew" above the Lincolnshire countryside. After stepping into a state-of-the-art Typhoon simulator, Gp Capt Paul O'Grady said: "She seems to be a natural pilot, so we might have to get her qualified in a Typhoon, if she's up for it."
The princess is royal honorary air commodore of the baseThe princess is royal honorary air commodore of the base
Catherine arrived in a helicopter at the base and was briefed about recent RAF operations, including supporting Nato in Poland.Catherine arrived in a helicopter at the base and was briefed about recent RAF operations, including supporting Nato in Poland.
She spoke to pilots about their roles and experiences, Kensington Palace said.She spoke to pilots about their roles and experiences, Kensington Palace said.
The princess was also shown a Typhoon by Wing Cdr Luke Wilkinson, before climbing stairs up to the cockpit.The princess was also shown a Typhoon by Wing Cdr Luke Wilkinson, before climbing stairs up to the cockpit.
The Princess of Wales greeted crowds at RAF ConingsbyThe Princess of Wales greeted crowds at RAF Coningsby
Catherine also met some of the pilots in training, asking about their time at RAF Valley, in Anglesey, where she lived with the Prince of Wales when he was in training.
She then moved on to visit a communal space called the Lounge, where she accepted an offer of a cup of tea and chatted to RAF Coningsby's Welfare Team.
Presenting her with three model Typhoons for her children, one team member said to her: "Somebody told us that your children were very excited about you seeing a plane."
The princess replied: "They'll be very upset that I've seen a Typhoon without them."
The visit marked Catherine's first visit to the Lincolnshire baseThe visit marked Catherine's first visit to the Lincolnshire base
The princess was greeted by dozens of families with small children who cheered and gave her flowers and other keepsakes.
She spent more than half an hour talking to them and told Jo Sweeney and her 10-year-old stepson that her son, Prince Louis, wanted to be a pilot.
One of the girls took a great interest in the RAF brooch Kate was wearing and then her watch, prompting the princess to advise her to ask Father Christmas for one.
When another young girl threw her arms around the princess, Catherine told her: "I love hugs."
Catherine enjoyed a cup of tea with staff at the base and heard about their experiences of serving in the RAF
As a Quick Reaction Alert station, Coningsby provides around the clock protection for UK airspace alongside RAF Lossiemouth.As a Quick Reaction Alert station, Coningsby provides around the clock protection for UK airspace alongside RAF Lossiemouth.
Jets from Lincolnshire can reach London in under 10 minutes once they are scrambled.Jets from Lincolnshire can reach London in under 10 minutes once they are scrambled.
The base is also home to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.The base is also home to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
Catherine enjoyed a cup of tea with staff at the base and heard about their experiences of serving in the RAF
Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.
Download the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devicesDownload the BBC News app from the App Store for iPhone and iPad or Google Play for Android devices