The Prince of Wales has warned new RAF officers the country will be relying on them to deal with ‘future threats’.
William spoke during the graduation ceremony of more than 50 officers who have completed their training at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell.
The prince knows RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire well, as he trained at the air force base, flying solo for the first time and later received his wings from his father during a ceremony at Cranwell in 2008.
In his speech William said: ‘We live in a time of change and uncertainty, and you, as the future of the Royal Air Force, are the ones who will ensure that we are able to adapt and face future threats.’
During the graduation parade William acknowledged the royal salute of the 54 new officers on the parade ground, who as cadets spent up to 24 weeks being taught about leadership, underwent strenuous military exercises and other training.
The prince, who wore his RAF uniform and was still sporting his summer beard, said: ‘Whilst I didn’t graduate on this exact parade ground, I did graduate from flying training here so I know something about the celebrations that will come later, so I promise, I’ll only take a few minutes of your time!
‘I do want to take this moment though, to highlight not only the importance of your achievements to date, but also that of the roles you will play in supporting the futures of your countries’ air forces.
‘I say ‘your countries’, as I know that in addition to our newest Royal Air Force officers on parade today, there are also officers from Jordan, Kenya, Pakistan and Uganda.
‘Multi-national relationships are key to international defence, security, and peace.
‘The relationships you have formed through training, will be key in allowing you to achieve success in future roles, and enhancing the security of all our nations.’
Prince William’s warning about facing future threats comes at a time of high tension between the US and UK and other countries, including Russia, China and Iran.
Earlier this week, the US and UK both accused Iran of supplying short-range ballistic missiles to Russia to use in the war in Ukraine and said they plan to punish those involved.
It was suspected the news about Iranian missiles could embolden Mr Zelensky to further ramp up pressure on the US and other allies to allow Ukraine to use Western-supplied missiles to strike deep inside Russia.
David Lammy and Antony Blinken visited Ukraine this week, where they were urged again to lift restrictions on the use of weapons against Russia.
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