The Princess in Recognizable Styles for RAF Coningsby Visit

The Princess of Wales was in familiar pieces for a visit to RAF Coningsby.

The air station is located in Lincolnshire, approximately 3-1/2 hours north of Windsor.

It is the training station for Typhoon pilots and home to two frontline squadrons. 

The Princess was appointed Royal Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Coningsby in August 2023. 

The Princess got a close look at the Typhoon. 

Here you see the Princess as she hears about this class of jets.

We learn more from The Daily Mail’s coverage. 

During her visit, Kate viewed one of these aircrafts, before visiting the Typhoon Future Synthetic Training facility – a newly opened site which provides integrated training environments for pilots. 

The Sun’s story has more. 

The Princess even took the controls of a flight simulator and performed a loop the loop on her first visit to RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire…

And she shared how her youngest son Louis is keen to become a fighter pilot, but added: “I’m going to tell them (her children) it takes eight years and a lot of hard work.”

Speaking afterwards Group Captain Paul O’Grady, Station Commander, said: “She seems to be a natural pilot so we might have to get her qualified and get her flying a Typhoon, if she’s up for it.”

The Princess also spent time in a communal space called ‘The Lounge,’ where she met members of the base Welfare Team.

More from Lincolnshire Live’s coverage of the engagement. 

Corporal Emily Winks sat down for a cup of tea with the Princess of Wales where she spoke about her role and contribution to the station.

She described Catherine as being ‘passionate about the armed forces’.

ASI Dan Field added: “She seemed really curious and really interested in what we had to say.”

We return to the Lincolnshire Live piece. 

While enjoying refreshments in the communal area, Her Royal Highness was handed three cuddly plane toys for her children George, Charlotte and Louis, which she says they will ‘absolutely love’.

The mother-of-three then spoke with personnel about the importance of community and belonging – particularly for young recruits who have just joined the military.

She said: “That sense of community, that sense of family is very important for them.

More via this BBC article. 

Presenting her with three model Typhoons for her children, one team member said to her: “Somebody told us that your children were very excited about you seeing a plane.”

The princess replied: “They’ll be very upset that I’ve seen a Typhoon without them.”

Before leaving, the Princess met well-wishers gathered at the base. 

We return to The Sun’s story. 

Afterwards she met local families outside the base chatting to parents and children.

Kate appeared to have such a good time she stayed 90 minutes longer than planned, and joked: “I’m sorry, I totally outstayed my welcome!”

We return to the Lincolnshire Live coverage one more time.

The Princess of Wales met dozens of people at the Lincolnshire base today and, according to our reporter, the one phrase on everyone’s lips is: “She was very down to earth.”

The senior royal impressed personnel with her kind nature and genuine interest in their lives.

Gaynor Benjamin, 55, said: “She was very relaxed, like someone we could talk to. She seemed interested in our lives.”

Rebecca Benjamin, 26, added that she was ‘a lot more down to earth’ than she expected.

It appears that the Princess has made some new friends.

Including a four-legged friend she met earlier in the visit.

Now, for our look at what Kate wore for today’s engagement.

Many immediately recognized her Bella Freud suit, a style that we saw earlier this month for engagements showcasing British textiles. The Earl Jacket and Schoolboy Trousers (both styles are now sold out) showcase a classic Prince of Wales pattern. Both pieces are crafted of a wool and linen blend fabric.

The Princess brought back an Alexander McQueen top, first noted when worn for Holocaust Memorial Day in 2021. The women’s Rib-knit Long-sleeve Sweater In Grey Melange (past season, no longer available) features a round neck, keyhole back, and directional ribbing, including a center strip on the front and back.

It looks like the Princess wore her Gianvito 85 Pumps in navy suede ($795), a point-toe style with a 3.3″ heel.

Her hair was partially pulled back. 

The Princess’s jewelry included the sapphire and diamond cluster earrings and the RAF Air Arm Fleet pin. I show it as worn today, and also on Remembrance Sunday 2025 (bottom right).

One other quick note today, this one involving a tiara appearance for the Princess. Kind of, sort of, okay – not really. It’s a tiara on a cowboy hat I’m referencing.

The Princess was shown in the hat as part of a social media post with good luck wishes for England’s Red Roses ahead of their match against Canada in the Women’s Rugby World Cup.

The Red Roses were victorious in the match, beating Canada’s team 33-13.