Prince William makes poignant return to Anglesey where he first lived with wife Princess Kate

The Prince of Wales took a trip down memory lane as he returned to his former air base in Anglesey, North Wales.

William, who lived on the island as a newlywed with his wife the Princess of Wales, was stationed at the RAF Valley from 2010 to 2013 when he served as an RAF search and rescue pilot.

On Tuesday he was given a warm welcome at the base in his new role as Royal Honorary Air Commodore, a position he took over from his father King Charles in August last year.

The site is the RAF’s only station in Wales and is home to the No 4 Flying Training School, responsible for training the UK’s next generation of fighter pilots. Crews at the base are also trained for mountain and maritime operations across the world.

A warm welcome
Prince William was given a warm welcome as he arrived for his official visit. Braving the rain, the royal stepped out with a smile, dressed in a navy suit, a striped tie and a crisp shirt.

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prince william smiling and laughing in rain© Getty Images
A light-hearted moment
Despite the grey clouds and rain, Prince William could be seen laughing as he shared a light-hearted moment with a member of RAF Valley.

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Prince William talks to base personnel inside the Air Traffic Control Tower during an official visit at RAF Valley© Getty
Air Traffic Control tower
William was given a tour of the base and met personnel from across the station, who told the royal about their work and day-to-day life at the RAF Valley.

The first stop of the day was at the Air Traffic Control tower, where William, 42, saw the control rooms and new surveillance equipment.

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Prince William talks to base personnel inside the Air Traffic Control Tower during an official visit at RAF Valley© Getty
RAF Valley plans
He was also told about plans to refurbish RAF Valley’s second runway in a project estimated to cost around £44million.

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Prince William talks to base personnel after a simulated fire response exercise during an official visit at RAF Valley© Getty
Fire and Rescue Section
At the base’s Fire and Rescue Section, William met crew members who work to provide year-round airfield rescue firefighting and structural firefighting cover for RAF Valley, whilst also delivering further support at the station’s relief landing ground, RAF Mona.

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Prince William takes part in a simulated fire response exercise during an official visit at RAF Valley© Getty
Fighting fire
The Prince took part in a simulated fire response exercise, sitting in the passenger seat of a fire truck and operating the water pump to drown out the flames on a plane.

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Prince William takes part in a simulated fire response exercise during an official visit at RAF Valley© Getty
Action hero
He looked to be having great fun, taking part in the drill.