Proper protocol ruled for the Prince of Wales’ new mug, but its predecessor was more cheeky
Prince William’s visit to the Royal Air Force station in Wales where he previously worked came with a new keepsake featuring his official royal title instead of his cheeky nickname.
On July 9, the Prince of Wales, 42, traveled to RAF Valley on the island of Anglesey for the first time as its Royal Honorary Air Commodore, a role he received from King Charles in August 2023. Although this was his debut there with his new title, it was a return to his roots as Prince William was stationed at the airbase while working as an RAF search and rescue pilot from 2010 to 2013.
The Prince of Wales caught up with his former instructor and drank tea from a personalized mug during his visit, according to Rebecca English of the Daily Mail, and a close look shows that the cup features his royal title. The mug appeared to be emblazoned with the logo of the XXV Fighter Squadron and “HRH Prince of Wales,” denoting Prince William’s His Royal Highness styling and the Prince of Wales title, which is traditional for the male heir to the throne. King Charles announced that his eldest son would take on the title in his first speech as sovereign in September 2022.
A fan account noted that Prince William used another custom mug when he was stationed at RAF Anglesey in 2013, resurfacing a throwback photo of him preparing a drink in a kitchen. The mug with Royal Air Force wings read “Big Willy,” a nickname Kate Middleton is reportedly known to call him. (Prince William’s rumored pet name for Kate? “Babykins.”)
Prince William and Princess Kate called Wales home following their marriage in 2011. William began training for an aerial career in the military in 2009 and officially joined C Flight, 22 Squadron in September 2010.
During his time there, he served as a search and rescue pilot for three years, undertaking 156 search and rescue operations. He also completed a routine operational deployment to the Falkland Islands and qualified as an operational Captain, per his royal bio.
During his tour of RAF Valley on July 9, the Prince checked out some of the base’s updates and met personnel to learn about their daily life and operations.
Prince William met members of the RAF Mountain Rescue Service, which is on constant call for search and rescue support, aircraft post-crash and incident management, and medical aid in the mountains. The royal heard about the team’s life-saving work.
Prince William’s Royal Honorary Air Commodore role at RAF Valley enhanced a bond to the base that was already strong. This role was announced last summer when King Charles awarded new military appointments for nine members of the royal family.
Princess Kate didn’t join her husband for this engagement in Wales as she continues her cancer treatment. She made her first and only public appearance this year at Trooping the Colour on June 15, joining her family for the King’s birthday parade in London.
“I’m looking forward to attending The King’s Birthday Parade this weekend with my family and hope to join a few public engagements over the summer, but equally knowing I am not out of the woods yet,” Princess Kate said in a statement.
This message was her first health update since sharing in March that she has cancer, describing her treatment as “ongoing” in the June 14 statement.
