In a solemn moment for the royal couple, Kate Middleton and Prince William have released a joint statement following ‘incredibly sad’ news received on Saturday.
The future king and queen conveyed their condolences in a heartfelt message shared on their official social media channels.
The Prince and Princess of Wales expressed their sorrow upon learning of the tragic loss of a Spitfire pilot from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight in Lincolnshire.
“Incredibly sad to hear of the news this afternoon from RAF Coningsby,” the couple stated.
“Our thoughts this evening are with the pilot’s loved ones, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the wider RAF family. W & C”
The significance of this loss is deeply felt within the royal family, especially given Prince William’s former role as Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Coningsby.
He held this position from 2008 until 2023, passing on the responsibility to Kate Middleton in August of the same year.
According to reports from the BBC, the tragic incident occurred when a Spitfire belonging to the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight crashed in a field near an RAF station in Lincolnshire.
The World War Two-era plane, a poignant symbol of British aviation history, was based at RAF Coningsby.
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In an official statement, the RAF confirmed the devastating news, expressing profound sadness over the loss of one of its pilots.
“It is with great sadness that we must confirm the death of an RAF pilot in a tragic accident near RAF Coningsby today,” the statement read.
“The pilot’s family have been informed and we ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.”
The loss of the pilot serves as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve in the armed forces, particularly in preserving the legacy of Britain’s aerial heritage.
As the nation mourns this tragic loss, the thoughts and prayers of the royal family and the wider community are with the pilot’s loved ones during this difficult time
