Royal visit to honour historic RAF squadron at major Oxfordshire base

Princess Anne has honoured a historic RAF squadron at a major Oxfordshire base.

The younger sister of King Charles III visited RAF Brize Norton last week on Thursday, October 9.

She did so in her capacity as honorary air commodore on the occasion of the 24th Squadron’s 110th birthday,

The squadron is the 4th most senior in the UK’s air force and has served in both world wars, as well as recently sending planes to Poland as NATO tensions with Russia rise.

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During the Princess Royal’s two-hour visit she met many of the squadron and toured key facilities.

Her Royal Highness also presented a Meritorious Service Medal to Master Aircrew Russell, recognising over 32 years of exemplary service.

The visit occurred on Thursday, October 9(Image: Steve Lympany/RAF)

In addition she gave a King’s Commendation for Bravery in the Air to Flight Lieutenant Howell for his crew’s heroic efforts in saving 14 fishermen.

Wing Commander Al Dow said that he felt “immense pride” in leading the squadron.

He said: “These celebrations not only honoured our squadron’s storied past but also highlighted the dedication and professionalism of our people today.”

The Princess Royal at RAF Brize Norton(Image: Steve Lympany/RAF)

During her visit to Oxfordshire, last week Princess Anne also attended the Carterton Women’s Institute on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.

The county is a popular destination for the Royal Family right now with the Princess of Wales in Oxford on the same day as Princess Anne was at Brize Norton.

The future Queen was at the Home-Start charity based in Rose Hill Community Centre.

Meanwhile, Kensington Palace has announced that William, The Prince of Wales, and The Crown Prince of Jordan, Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, will head to RAF Benson near Wallingford tomorrow (Wednesday, October 15).