The Princess of Wales left military personnel and their families alike smiling from ear to ear after she visited RAF Coningsby today. Kate Middleton, who became the Royal Honorary Air Commodore in August 2023, made her first visit to the station on Thursday, October 2.
She arrived at the site via helicopter and was escorted around the base in a black Range Rover. Her Royal Highness visited a number of areas on the site, including Quick Reaction Alert and the Typhoon Training Facility, where she got to have a go flying one of the iconic aircrafts in a simulator.
Across the site Kate spoke to a range of military personnel and they told Lincolnshire Live that they were impressed by the questions she asked and how much she genuinely seemed to care about what people were saying.
They also said she seemed focused on how people found their roles and that they enjoyed what they did rather than the technical side.

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Corporal Emily Winks spoke to the Princess of Wales upstairs during her visit to a communal space. She said: “It was great to be honest, we spoke individually about our roles and what we contribute to the station. She asked us what we think about Coningsby, we talked about networking within the RAF. Just a variety of things.”
Corporal Winks described Kate as being “passionate about the armed forces.” The Princess also spoke to ASI Dan Field, who said: “She seemed really curious and really interested in what we had to say.”
He added that she was “very down to earth.” The Princess ended her visit by meeting dozens of military personnel and their families outside.
The crowd met her with cheers and waved flags enthusiastically as they got ready to hand her bouquets of flowers.
Despite Kate obviously being pressed for time she didn’t rush and carefully took her time, shaking hands and saying hello to every single adult, child and even babies who were there to meet her.

(Image: James Glossop/The Times/PA Wire)
Everyone commented on how patient she was, especially with the children. She could be heard asking people questions about their jobs, or asking the kids about sports or complimenting outfits, especially a number of little girls who were in their best princess dresses – some even with tiaras on.
When asked what it Kate was like, Rebecca Benjamin said that she knew the Princess was down to earth, but she was “a lot more down to earth” then she expected.”
The 26-year-old added: “It was nice to meet her in person. It’s nice that she has taken the time to come and talk with us all.”
Relative Gaynor Benjamin, said: “She was very relaxed, like someone we could talk to.” The 55-year-old added that Kate “seemed interested in our lives” and took the time to listen.
Megan Proctor, 31, brought her nine-month-old son Kit to meet Kate. The mum stated: “She was really good with the children.”
Tina Proctor, 56, is the PA to the station commander. She added: “Even though she was quite behind she has not rushed anyone and spent time here. She is a very genuine lady.”

(Image: James Glossop/The Times/PA Wire)
Also impressed was Sadie Langton, community engagement worker at RAF Coningsby. Sadie said: “It was lovely and the fact that she stopped and actually took an interest.”
She continued: “It was really nice and I think you can just tell how much she does love the families and the kids. I think it’s going to be a big moral booster for some of the families.
“It’s a once in a lifetime thing. It’s been a great day.”
Sadie added that she spoke to Kate about her role, which is funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Trust, and how it involves arranging things for families who have someone serving away.

(Image: James Glossop/The Times/PA Wire)
Group Captain, Paul O’Grady, the Station Commander at RAF Coningsby said the day was “absolutely brilliant.” Commenting on Kate’s visit, he explained that it was a great chance to “show off what it is our brilliant people do” and that everyone had “a fabulous time and enjoyed meeting her.”
Reflecting on her earlier attempt at the flight simulator, he added: “She seems to be a natural pilot, so we may have to get her qualified and flying a typhoon if she’s up for it.”
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