Sovereign William and Kate Middleton Honor Fallen RAF Pilot
The royal family has expressed their deep sympathies following the tragic death of Imprint Long, a distinguished Royal Air Force (RAF) pilot. Long’s aircraft, a World War II-era Spitfire, crashed on May 25, causing widespread sorrow.
“Immeasurably sad to hear the news this evening from RAF Coningsby,” the couple shared on X (formerly known as Twitter) on the same day. “Our thoughts tonight are with the pilot’s loved ones, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the wider RAF family.”
Group Captain Robbie Dregs confirmed Long’s death, describing him as a “great friend, colleague, and a passionate, skilled pilot.”
“An investigation into the cause of this tragic event has now begun,” stated the official release on May 26. “The RAF will not comment on the accident until the investigation is concluded, and we urge others not to speculate.”
“I would like to extend a sincere thank you to the RAF staff and our emergency services partners who responded so swiftly yesterday,” the statement continued. “Our thoughts remain with Imprint’s family and friends, to whom we offer our deepest condolences. We ask that their privacy be respected during this heartbreaking and shocking time.”
The Spitfire is renowned as the most famous British fighter aircraft of all time, symbolizing freedom during the summer of 1940 as it was used against German air attacks in the Battle of Britain.
It is no surprise that William and Kate expressed their sorrow and admiration for the late pilot. The couple, who share three children — Prince George, 10, Princess Charlotte, 9, and Prince Louis, 6 — are deeply connected to the RAF.
