Europe, UK (Commonwealth Union) – At the Army Aviation Centre in Middle Wallop, the ceremonial torch of Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps has been passed from King Charles to The Prince of Wales.
This transition was marked by a significant event in August 2023, following King Charles’s accession to the throne. The announcement was made, affirming that The Prince of Wales would assume the prestigious role previously held by King Charles, who had served in the capacity of Colonel-in-Chief for an impressive 31-year tenure.
As the Sovereign and Head of the Armed Forces, King Charles boasts a distinguished military background, having undergone training and served in both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force.
Upon arrival at the Army Aviation Centre, King Charles was accorded the honors befitting his status, including a Guard of Honour and a warm welcome from Lieutenant General Sir Nicholas Borton, the Colonel Commandant of the Army Air Corps. Together, they embarked on a tour of The Army Flying Museum, situated within Middle Wallop, which chronicles the evolution of British army aviation from its earliest days of military ballooning to the contemporary operations of the Army Air Corps.
During his visit to the museum, King Charles engaged with veterans and their families, culminating in the unveiling of a commemorative plaque marking the installation of the first Apache AH Mk.1 helicopter in a UK museum. This particular Apache had historical significance, having been one of two helicopters that transported troops on their stub wings during the Battle of Jugroom Fort in Afghanistan in 2007.
“Let me just say what a great joy it is to be with you, even briefly, on this occasion but also it is tinged with great sadness after 32 years of knowing you all, admiring your many activities and achievements through the time that I’ve been lucky enough to be Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps,” said The King.
