The prince and princess of wales mourned Royal Air Drive pilot Mark Lengthy together with the remainder of the nation.
Prince William and Kate Middleton despatched their condolences to the household of pilot Mark Lengthy on Saturday after he died in a horrific aircraft crash. Lengthy was flying a World Conflict II-era fighter when he crashed in a area in Coningsby, England. The prince and princess of Wales rapidly posted a message on-line mourning the accident.
“Extremely unhappy to listen to of the information this afternoon from RAF Coningsby,” the submit learn. “Our ideas this night are with the pilot’s family members, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the broader RAF household.” On the time, Lengthy’s identification had not been revealed publicly nevertheless it was since revealed in a report by the BBC.
Lengthy was flying a World Conflict II-era Spitfire when he crashed on Saturday. He was close to the Royal Air Drive’s (RAF) base in Coningsby, and the precise explanation for his crash remains to be underneath investigation. A spokesperson for the RAF stated: “Following the tragic accident at RAF Coningsby, and whereas the formal investigation is ongoing, the RAF has instigated a brief pause in flying for the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight [BBMF].”
That would affect the royal household’s plans for subsequent weekend, when they may commemorate the eightieth anniversary of D-Day. King Charles III is scheduled to make his first worldwide journey since he was recognized with most cancers. He and Prince William are anticipated to mark the event in Portsmouth, England on Wednesday, June 5 after which in Normandy, France on Thursday, June 6. That was supposed to incorporate a tribute by the BBMF and the “Pink Arrows,” however now that plan is in query.
RAF Captain Robbie Lees was the one to substantiate Lengthy’s passing. He spoke extra about Lengthy with reporters from the BBC, saying: “Mark was a Storm pilot right here at RAF Coningsby and for the final 4 years, he has been a pilot with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. An incredible pal, colleague, and a passionate, skilled aviator he might be sorely missed by all that knew him.”
Lee famous: “The RAF won’t offer any touch upon the accident till that investigation has concluded, and likewise, we ask others to not speculate.” He then continued: “I wish to lengthen a honest thanks to the RAF personnel and our emergency companies colleagues who responded so swiftly yesterday. Our ideas stay with Mark’s household and pals to whom we provide our deepest sympathies. We ask that their privateness be revered at this tragic and surprising time.”
