Prince William and Kate Middleton have issued a rare joint statement on social media following a tragic Spitfire crash near an RAF base. In a somber post on X, formerly known as Twitter, the Prince and Princess of Wales expressed their “incredible sadness” over the accident that resulted in the death of the aircraft’s pilot. The crash occurred during a Battle of Britain event on Saturday in Coningsby, Lincolnshire. The royal couple shared their heartfelt condolences through their official @KensingtonRoyal account, stating, “Incredibly sad to hear of 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. W & C.”

The crash happened in a field near RAF Coningsby, and authorities and first responders arrived on the scene shortly before 1:20 pm. A resident who witnessed the event described the aircraft’s troubled takeoff to GB News, stating, “It was definitely a spitfire. But it sounded sluggish when it took off at about 1:20 pm. It had just taken off and we could hear it cough and splutter. It was about 100m in the air. I saw it turn to the left and flip over. We couldn’t see it over the trees. There were about five to eight fire engines and the Helimed too.”

A spokesperson for the Ministry of Defence confirmed the tragic news, saying, “It is with great sadness that we must confirm the death of an RAF pilot in a tragic accident near RAF Coningsby today. The pilot’s family have been informed and we ask that their privacy is respected at this difficult time.” The Lincolnshire Police also released a statement, noting, “The man was the pilot and sole occupant of the aircraft. Police are not in a position to confirm his name but his next of kin have been informed. Nobody else is thought to have been injured as a result.”

The police statement continued, “The incident was called into police just before 1:20 pm today (Saturday, May 25) and emergency services were immediately dispatched to the scene. Sadly, the injuries the pilot sustained were not survivable and he was declared deceased at the scene. Investigations are ongoing into the cause.” The crash has deeply affected the local community and the wider RAF family, as it occurred during a commemorative event meant to honor the historic Battle of Britain.

The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, which was involved in the event, is known for preserving historic aircraft and performing at events to commemorate the bravery of those who fought during World War II. The loss of one of its pilots in such a tragic manner has left many in mourning. The joint statement from Prince William and Kate Middleton underscores the gravity of the incident and their support for those affected. The royal couple’s message conveyed their deep empathy and shared the collective sorrow felt by many.

This incident is a stark reminder of the risks faced by pilots who fly historic aircraft, often maintained meticulously to keep the memory of wartime heroes alive. As investigations continue, there will be a focus on understanding the cause of the crash to prevent such tragedies in the future. The RAF and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight will undoubtedly reflect on this loss while continuing their mission to honor the legacy of their predecessors.

The outpouring of condolences from the public and notable figures highlights the profound impact of the crash. For those who witnessed the event and for the family and friends of the pilot, the grief is immeasurable. The community around RAF Coningsby, a base with a rich history of aviation and service, will be offering their support to the bereaved.

As more details emerge, the investigation into the cause of the accident will be crucial in providing answers and ensuring that the legacy of the pilot is honored appropriately. The joint statement by the Prince and Princess of Wales has brought attention to the tragedy, emphasizing their role in offering solace during such difficult times.