Palace issues update as King Charles springs into action

King Charles III stepped out to inspect the centre that prepares personnel for the maintenance of the Royal Air Force (RAF) F-35B Lightning aircraft at RAF Marham.

As Honourary Air Commodore of RAF Marham, a role he has held since September 2023, the King visited the base to meet staff and see operations up close. He also met serving aviators and their families.

The 77-year-old monarch took the opportunity to sit behind the controls of one of the UK’s state-of-the-art F-35B Lightning fighter jets, operated by the joint Royal Navy and RAF Lightning Force based at Marham.

During the visit, the British monarch also met aviators who had recently been called into action to protect bases in Cyprus amid ongoing conflict.

The royal family shared pictures and the latest update from the King’s visit.

Managed jointly by the RAF and Royal Navy, the F-35B aircraft operates across both RAF Marham and the Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers.

Prince William and Harry's father viewed the cockpit of the aircraft and met members of the wider airbase community, including a Community Support, Resilience and Climate Change Group.

As per reports, in response to an attack on the British Sovereign Bases in Cyprus earlier this year, the UK launched a defensive operation which saw Marham personnel and jets deployed to shoot down drones launched towards bases.

The King's arrival at the Norfolk air base added significance. The visit was the first the King has undertaken to the station since being made its Honorary Air Commodore.