The Prince of Wales put on a cheerful display when attending a socially-distanced RAF graduation ceremony earlier today.
Decked out in number one RAF full ceremonial dress, Prince Charles, 71, was captured beaming while planting a lime tree in recognition of RAF College Cranwell’s centenary.
He was the reviewing officer for the institute’s parade in Lincolnshire, attended by RAF cadets who have completed their initial officer training.
Speaking at the event, Charles, who is himself a graduate of Cranwell, said he was ‘immensely impressed’ as he praised those who had continued their schooling during the coronavirus pandemic.
The Prince of Wales (above) put on a cheerful display when attending a socially-distanced RAF graduation ceremony earlier today
Decked out in number one RAF full ceremonial dress, Prince Charles, 71, was captured beaming while planting a lime tree in recognition of RAF College Cranwell’s centenary (above)
The royal, pictured centre, was the reviewing officer for the institute’s parade in Lincolnshire, attended by RAF cadets who have completed their initial officer training
He inspected the ranks and presented course prizes to top-performing cadets, with no handshakes involved and winners collecting their awards from a table.
The prince said in his speech to around 150 cadets: ‘I am immensely impressed that you have all managed to continue with your training and reach this stage, given the complexities that the coronavirus pandemic has brought to every aspect of life.
‘I know that this will not have been easy and is a testament to the flexibility and determination, not only of the staff, but of every one of you.
Speaking at the event, Charles (pictured right), who is himself a graduate of Cranwell, said he was ‘immensely impressed’
The royal inspects the graduates during the Graduation Ceremony of the Queen’s Squadron at RAF College Cranwell, Lincolnshire
Charles (pictured speaking to graduates) praised those who had continued their schooling during the coronavirus pandemic
‘This same dedication, adaptability and willingness continually to push yourselves will be required time after time in your future careers.’
Family and friends of the graduating cadets were unable to attend the ceremony due to social distancing restrictions.
After a parade and flypasts of a Typhoon and the Red Arrows, Charles spoke to cadets gathered in circles at a socially-distanced outdoor reception.
Charles (pictured speaking with cadets) inspected the ranks and presented course prizes to top-performing cadets, with no handshakes involved and winners collecting their awards from a table
Charles, above, spoke to cadets gathered in circles at a socially-distanced outdoor reception
After a parade, the event featured flypasts of a Typhoon and the Red Arrows (pictured above)
Flying Officer Annabelle Smith receives The Sword of Honour from the Prince of Wales during the Graduation Ceremony of the Queen’s Squadron at RAF College Cranwell
The Prince of Wales, who is known to shake hands with every tree he plants ‘to wish it well’, then planted a lime tree in recognition of the college’s centenary.
Commandant of the Royal Air Force College, Air Commodore Suraya Marshall, said: ‘The graduates have endured the most challenging of training periods.
‘This is a truly unique occasion, of which all participants can be justifiable proud.’
Family and friends of the graduating cadets (seen speaking to the royal) were unable to attend the ceremony due to social distancing restrictions
Charles, seen inspecting the cadets, graduated from Cranwell in Lincolnshire and was awarded his RAF pilot’s wings in 1971
The Prince of Wales salutes the Colours during the Graduation Ceremony of the Queen’s Squadron at RAF College Cranwell
Charles (pictured) last visited the station in 2008 for the Duke of Cambridge’s graduation ceremony, when Prince William become the fourth successive generation of the monarchy to become an RAF pilot
Charles, seen right, was appointed to the rank of Marshal of the RAF in 2012, the highest rank in the British Royal Air Force
Charles graduated from Cranwell in Lincolnshire and was awarded his RAF pilot’s wings in 1971.
He last visited the station in 2008 for the Duke of Cambridge’s graduation ceremony, when Prince William become the fourth successive generation of the monarchy to become an RAF pilot.
Charles was appointed to the rank of Marshal of the RAF in 2012, the highest rank in the British Royal Air Force.