Princess Kate and Prince William have issued a rare joint letter expressing their deep sorrow over today's tragic Spitfire crash during a Battle of Britain event. The last time they posted a joint message on social media was last month following a terrorist incident in Bondi, Sydney.
In their heartfelt message, Princess Kate and Prince William conveyed their condolences, stating, "Very sad to hear the news this afternoon from RAF Coningsby. Our thoughts this evening are with the pilot's loved ones, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the wider RAF family."
Earlier, the Ministry of Defence confirmed the tragic death of an RAF pilot during the incident. Reports indicate that the aircraft crashed shortly before 1:20 p.m., coming to rest near a building near RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire. Pictures from the scene showed the plane in a field adjacent to a single-story structure, prompting the dispatch of a rescue helicopter.
In a solemn statement, the Ministry of Defence expressed, "It is with great sadness that we must confirm that an RAF pilot has died in a tragic accident near RAF Coningsby today. The pilot's family has been informed, and we ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult time."
Prince Charles, who served as Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Coningsby from 2008 to 2023 before passing the role to Princess Kate in August 2023, also acknowledged the incident. Additionally, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak shared a message expressing his grief, calling it "terrible news" to see a pilot's life cut short in such circumstances.
Lincolnshire Police confirmed the tragedy, stating, "We are saddened to confirm that a man has died after a plane crashed in a field on Langrick Road in Coningsby earlier today." The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the plane, sustained injuries that were unfortunately not survivable. Police have notified his next of kin, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.
The accident was reported to police shortly before 1:20 p.m. on Saturday, May 25th, and emergency services responded promptly. As the community mourns this loss, the focus remains on supporting the pilot's family and understanding the circumstances surrounding this tragic event.
