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King Charles III honours RAF Lossiemouth and presents Squadron Standard
Moray, Scotland – 6 August 2025 – His Majesty King Charles III made a poignant return to RAF Lossiemouth this week, marking both a personal milestone and a powerful endorsement of the station’s modern legacy.
A Royal Presentation: No. 42 Squadron‘s New Standard
During a stand‑up parade held amid the base’s runways and hangars, the King re‑presented the new Squadron Standard to No. 42 (Torpedo Bomber) Squadron, re‑formed in 2023 to train aircrew and engineers on the P‑8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft and the forthcoming E‑7 Wedgetail. The squadron’s heritage dates back to its original formation in 1916, with distinguished service through World War II and beyond.
Reflecting on their history and future, King Charles said:
“Your squadron’s history is one of distinction, of which you should be rightly proud… It gives me the greatest possible pleasure to … present you with your new Standard.”
Honouring Service and Sacrifice
The King’s remarks celebrated the dedication, skill and professionalism of RAF personnel and highlighted the fundamental role of service families:
“Your encouragement and understanding enable you all to dedicate yourselves so fully to your duties … On behalf of the nation, I offer my heartfelt thanks for the sacrifices you make.”
Meeting parents and children—some of whom are part of the Airplay Youth Support Programme whose loved ones serve overseas—Charles accepted flowers and a glass holder fashioned from timber reclaimed at Lossiemouth beach, emphasizing the personal connection between community and base life.
A Flypast and Familiar Ties
The ceremonial flypast featured two Typhoon fast jets and a Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, one of nine stationed at the base. These aircraft embody RAF Lossiemouth’s role as a Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) station protecting UK airspace around the clock.
King Charles also shared a personal connection: Gordonstoun School, which he attended, lies at the end of the station’s runway. He fondly recalled watching Royal Navy Buccaneer jets flying overhead as part of his cadet training in the 1960s.
Strategic Importance and International Collaboration
RAF Lossiemouth has emerged as the UK’s principal hub for long‑range maritime patrol and surveillance, hosting internationally-operated P‑8A Poseidon aircraft and hosting NATO partners including Canada, Norway, and Germany for training and coordination exercises, such as the January 2025 JEDI Symposium.
No. 42 Squadron’s training mission extends internationally, helping ensure aircrew and engineers are fully prepared to operate cutting-edge surveillance platforms across allied forces.
Final Word
King Charles’s visit to RAF Lossiemouth was much more than ceremonial. It celebrated a proud squadron reborn, spotlighted the base’s strategic importance in UK and international defence, and paid tribute to the families who provide unwavering support. In doing so, it connected royal tradition, community, and global security in a single moment of recognition and resolve.
Attached is a news article regarding King Charles honours RAF Lossiemouth
https://www.forres-gazette.co.uk/news/king-charles-iii-makes-surprise-moray-visit-389079/
Article written and configured by Christopher Stanley
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