Overview

• William and Crown Prince Al Hussein visited RAF Benson for No. 22 Squadron’s 110th anniversary, meeting aircrew and technicians.
• He helped tighten a component on a Chinook rotorhead with a torque wrench and quipped that engineers would double-check the work before the aircraft re-entered service.
• The Prince said he misses the search-and-rescue ‘glory days’ and that the sound of a Sea King helicopter still goes straight to his heart.
• His remarks drew on a service record that includes 156 search-and-rescue missions rescuing 149 people and later flying with the East Anglian Air Ambulance until 2017.
• The two princes held a private briefing after on-base activities, and Kensington Palace said the engagements highlighted their close relationship and shared support for the armed forces.