As the Coronation approaches, more and more eyes are turning to King Charles III as he makes his way first by horse and carriage to and from Westminster Abbey where he will be crowned. But just as there is a royal horse and carriage and a royal car, there is also a Royal Squadron which transports Britain’s monarchy through the air. Since 1995, that duty has fallen to 32 Squadron.
Formed in 1916 at Netheravon, 32 Squadron has seen action in World War 1 and World War 2 where it has run aircraft such as Hurricane, the Canberra B2, and the BAe 125.
In 1995, the year before its eightieth anniversary, it became the Royal Squadron after merging with The Queen’s Flight.
The dedicated 32 Squadron transported the late Queen Elizabeth II on numerous trips and state visits. As Britain enters a new Carolean era, they are now the King’s Flight.
With this new era, comes a new aircraft for the squadron and the monarch they transport through the air.
Last year, the RAF retired the BAe146 four-engined transport aircraft which had been used by the Royal Family for over twenty years.
It was given by the RAF to the South Wales Aviation Museum (SWAM) at St Athan in March 2022. Wing Commander Chadwick flew the aircraft, number ZE700, on its final flight. She said: “Crews old and new are exceptionally fond of the 146’s characteristics and capabilities.
“They’re proud of her proven reliability, her rich heritage and the significant role she’s delivered.
“While it is a sad day to say goodbye to the aircraft we hold so dear after years of unrelenting service, she thoroughly deserves her retirement, and it’s time for 32 (The Royal) Squadron to enter a new chapter in its history.”
While the aircraft has now retired, it will live long in the memory of those who flew in her, particularly because of the role she played in late-1997.
The world will watch in awe as King Charles and Queen Camilla are crowned on Saturday, May 6 at Westminster Abbey. A number of British royals will be in attendance over the course of a three-day Bank Holiday weekend alongside dignitaries, foreign royals, and political leaders from around the world.
Months of meticulous planning has gone into arranging the big day, and millions of people will be watching every moment as Britain enters a new era following the death of the late Queen Elizabeth II.
The BAe146 was the plane which transported Princess Diana from France to the UK after her death in a car accident in August 1997.
The plane had been specially modified in order to carry Princess Diana’s coffin as it was flown back to the UK before her funeral.
Following BAe146’s retirement, the RAF has taken the decision to replace her with a much newer aircraft, the Dassault Envoy IV CC1.
The £40million French-made jet boasts a lavish interior with sleek leather armchairs and features high-tech mod cons such as WiFi, TV screens and mood lighting.
The new aircraft, which can fly at altitudes of up to 51,000ft and reach top speeds of 425mph, is more environmentally friendly than its predecessor and causes less environmental damage, a cause close to the new King’s heart.
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