Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, broke her public silence this past May 2024 weekend with an emotional message shared jointly with her husband, Prince William, after the death of Royal Air Force pilot Mark Long. The pilot was recently killed in a World War II-era Spitfire plane crash during a Battle of Britain event.
“Incredibly sad to hear of the news this afternoon from RAF Coningsby,” the statement began. “Our thoughts tonight are with the pilot’s family, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the entire RAF community,” signed with the initials “W & C” for William and Catherine.
The crash occurred near the RAF Coningsby base in eastern England, prompting an ongoing investigation into the incident. When it went down, the Spitfire, a historic aircraft from World War II, was participating in a commemorative event. Following the incident, the RAF grounded the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight planes while investigations occurred.
RAF Group Captain Robbie Lees, Commander of the Display Air Wing, honored Long, 43, by calling him “a great friend, colleague, and a passionate, professional aviator.” He stated that the RAF would refrain from further comments until the investigation is complete.
This statement marks one of the few public messages from Kate since she publicly revealed her cancer diagnosis in March 2024. She has been largely absent from public engagements, focusing on her treatment and recovery. Kate described the diagnosis as a “huge shock” in an emotional video message.
A Kensington Palace spokesperson updated Kate’s status, confirming that she remains actively engaged with the Royal Foundation Centre for Early Childhood, an organization she launched nearly three years ago. “Early childhood will continue to be central to her public work,” the spokesperson told BBC reporters.
Christian Guy, the foundation’s executive director, stated that Kate is excited about the ongoing campaign. “The early years campaign is rolling on as she recovers,” Guy said, highlighting Kate’s dedication to her cause even during her illness.
Prince William, who has strong military ties himself, having served as a search and rescue pilot for the RAF and as an air ambulance pilot, has been managing his royal duties while supporting his wife through her treatment. He recently shared that their eldest son, Prince George, is interested in following in his father’s footsteps, hinting at a “potential pilot in the making.”
The couple’s youngest son, Prince Louis, celebrated his sixth birthday last month, with Kate managing to capture a photo for the occasion despite her health struggles.
Kate’s absence from public events, such as the upcoming Trooping the Colour ceremony, has been notable. Instead, Lieutenant General James Bucknall will take on the role of Inspecting Officer on her behalf on June 8. This change underscores the seriousness of Kate’s condition and the necessity for her to prioritize her health.
