Prince William gets county RAF honour

By [cdelaney]

Prince William has been made an honorary Air Commandant for RAF Coningsby – cementing his links with Lincolnshire.

Flying Officer Wales (26) first developed ties with Lincolnshire after training to become a pilot at RAF Cranwell, near Sleaford, earlier this year.

Historically, senior members of the royal family have often been given titles for military organisations to demonstrate the crown's strong ties to the armed forces.

Buckingham Palace said in a statement: "The Queen has been pleased to approve new Royal Air Force honorary appointments in recognition of the strong links between the Royal Air Force and the royal family."

Prince William's new title will not override his existing military rank of Flying Officer.

RAF Coningsby has said it is pleased with the appointment.

Group Captain Stuart Atha, station commander at RAF Coningsby, said: "I am absolutely delighted at this news.

"When Prince William visited earlier this year he was enthusiastic and impressed with both the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and the world-beating Typhoon.

"I very much look forward to showing Prince William more of what we do and introducing him to the exceptional people, military and civilian, who work here."

For more on this story, see Friday's Lincolnshire Echo.