Joshua Goldman
Joshua Goldman
min read · October 2, 2025 · Entertainment

Kate Middleton Soars in Grey: Royal's Emotional RAF Visit

The Princess of Wales showed off her newly lightened locks as she paid a visit to RAF Coningsby today

ROYAL ROMP: KATE, 43, TAKES TO THE SKIES IN LINCOLNSHIRE

The Princess of Wales is at it again! Kate, 43, showed off her piloting skills in a flight simulator at RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, leaving onlookers green with envy. But what's behind this royal ruckus?

A FAMILY AFFAIR

She took control of a flight simulator and met with personnel throughout her visit

Kate's visit to the RAF base has a poignant link to her grandfather, who served as a fighter pilot during World War II and even flew with the late Duke of Edinburgh in the 1960s! Captain Peter Middleton, Kate's paternal grandfather, sadly passed away just days before Kate and William announced their engagement in 2010. Talk about a family legacy!

A ROYAL ROOKE-OUT

The Princess of Wales looked every inch the royal as she donned a sleek grey check suit by Bella Freud, paired with a top from Alexander McQueen and heels from Stuart Weitzman. Her newly lightened blonde locks were tied back in an elegant updo, adding to her sophisticated air.

Kate beamed as she was given a cup of tea

FLYING HIGH

Kate got hands-on experience in the flight simulator, just like real pilots do! She even wore diamond and sapphire earrings that once belonged to Princess Diana - a subtle nod to her family's rich history with the RAF. And, of course, she couldn't resist trying out a pair of gloves, because what's a royal visit without a bit of flair?

A ROYAL TEA-TIME

She appeared to be wearing a pair of diamond and sapphire earrings that once belonged to Princess Diana and pinned a gold winged RAF brooch to her blazer

After landing via helicopter and being whisked away in a Range Rover, Kate settled in for some refreshments at the communal area. She was treated to a cup of tea by staff - which she declared "a very good cup of tea!" We're guessing that's code for "I'm thoroughly enjoying this royal tea-time!"

MEET THE QRA CREW

Kate met with Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) personnel, who work tirelessly to protect airspace. These brave men and women are on high alert 24/7, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. Kate was clearly impressed by their dedication and expertise.

The royal was elegantly dressed in a smart, slim fit Bella Freud grey check suit for the occasion, paired with a top from Alexander McQueen

A ROYAL WELCOME

As she made her way around the base, Kate was showered with cuddly plane toys for her children Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis - who, according to Kate, "would absolutely love" them. And let's be real, who wouldn't want a cute little plane toy?

A SOLO VISIT

After landing via helicopter and being transported via Range Rover, Kate heard about the work of the Royal Air Force on recent operations, including supporting NATO 's work in Poland , before taking a look inside a Typhoon jet

While William was nowhere to be seen, Kate held her own in Lincolnshire, visiting the Typhoon jet and taking a peek inside one of these sleek aircrafts. This royal mom-of-three is truly a force to be reckoned with!

ROYAL GREETINGS

As she departed, Kate met with families and young children - all eager to catch a glimpse of the Princess. And it's not hard to see why: with her effortless style and infectious smile, Kate has won over even the most hardened royal watchers.

The Princess of Wales, Royal Honorary Air Commodore, RAF Coningsby during her first visit to the station

But what about the rest of Kate's week? Well, it seems that after this high-flying visit, she made an appearance at Southport, where she and William met privately with the grieving parents of tragic stabbing victim Elsie Dot Stancombe. Talk about a poignant reunion...

A TRAGIC MEMO

Last month, Axel Rudakubana, 19, was jailed for life with a minimum term of 52 years after attacking a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, killing Bebe King, six, and Alice da Silva Aguiar, nine. The royal couple made an emotional return to the city to offer their ongoing support for families affected by the tragic murders.

The Princess of Wales met with personnel and their families and got an overview of recent operations at the site

A ROYAL FAMILY AFFAIR

Kate was every inch the supportive wife as she accompanied William to meet with teachers about how the school was affected by the tragedy and the support it has provided to pupils, staff, and the local community. And in a heartwarming moment, the royal couple even met privately with Elsie's parents Jenni and David in the headteacher's office.

A ROYAL MOTHER-OF-TREASURE

As she departed, she also met with families and young children - all keen to catch a glimpse of the royal

After their visit to Southport, Kate took to Instagram to share her support for England's Red Roses in their Women's Rugby World Cup Final at Twickenham. With a photo of herself posing with players Megan Jones, Ellie Kildunne, and Jess Breach, Kate wrote: "Good luck England! Wishing the very best of luck to the @redrosesrugby in their Women's Rugby World Cup Final today. We're so proud of you! C."

So there you have it, folks - a royally packed week for Kate, 43. From flying high at RAF Coningsby to offering her support for families affected by tragedy, this royal mom-of-three is truly a force to be reckoned with!

Sources:

The Princess took over the role as Royal Honorary Air Commodore in 2023

  • TheScholarlyNote.com
  • TheScholarlyNote.com

Kate was given a tour of a hangar, where she went inside a Typhoon jet

Kate was given a two-hour two of RAF Coningsby today - marking her first visit to the Lincolnshire station

Kate opted for a sleek grey trouser suit and a smart pair of black heels

The royal was elegantly dressed in a smart, slim fit grey suit

She also tied back her newly lightened blonde locks for an elegant, yet practical look during the engagement