Prince William Dons Military Uniform, Celebrates 100 Years Of The Royal Australian Air Force — Watch
April 2 2021, Updated 9:56 a.m. ET
Prince William — who served as a helicopter pilot in the Royal Air Force — celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Royal Australian Air Force on Wednesday, March 31.
"The 100th anniversary of the Royal Australian Air Force gives us an opportunity to reflect on the service, courage and sacrifice made by generations of Airforce men and women in Australia and around the world. In conflict and in peace, the Royal Australian Air Force developed an outstanding reputation for resilience, innovation and dedication to duty," the 38-year-old, who donned his military uniform, began.
"Over the last 12 months, Australia has faced the challenges of terrible bushfires and a global pandemic," he said. "The Royal Australian Air Force has once again shown its ability to respond quickly to supporting Australians in need."
He continued, "During my own service, I had the pleasure of meeting many serving Australians, and I've seen first hand the special bonds shared between our two services. More recently, Catherine and I have been welcomed at a number of Royal Australian Air Force bases and have enjoyed hearing stories from serving personnel."
"While your second century will be very different to the first, I am sure that future generations of servicemen and women will carry forward the proud legacy established by hard working and courageous Australians during the first 100 years of The Royal Australian Air Force," he concluded.
Shortly after, fans praised William for his wonderful speech. One person wrote, "Amazing message from the Duke of Cambridge," while another added, "What a great message! Thank you for your service RAAF."
A third user added, "And what a great Sovereign he would make!"
Meanwhile, William's grandmother, Queen Elizabeth, made her first public appearance by visiting the Commonwealth Air Forces Memorial in Runnymede, Surrey, to mark the centenary of the Royal Australian Air Force.
“As one of the oldest Air Forces in the world, it is fitting to pay tribute to the efficiency, skill and sacrifice of the men and women who have served in its ranks, in Australia and overseas, during the past one hundred years,” she said in a statement. "Throughout my reign, the Royal Australian Air Force has shown immense dedication to duty and defended our freedom in many conflicts around the world."
