The recent reunion of Prince William and Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan at RAF Benson underscored a powerful bond of friendship, a shared passion for helicopter piloting, and the strategic alliance between Britain and Jordan, providing a rare glimpse into the personal and professional lives of these future monarchs.
On October 15, 2025, a significant royal engagement unfolded at RAF Benson in Oxfordshire, U.K., as Prince William, the Prince of Wales, hosted his close friend and fellow royal heir, Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan. The visit was more than a formal inspection; it was a deeply personal reunion for the two trained helicopter pilots, highlighting their enduring friendship and the strong diplomatic ties between the United Kingdom and Jordan, as reported by People.
The outing offered a unique insight into the shared military heritage of the two princes, both of whom have dedicated time to active service as airmen. Their common experience in the cockpit provided a natural foundation for their bond, which has been evident in previous public engagements.
A Shared Passion for the Skies: The Royal Airmen
Both Prince William, 43, and Crown Prince Hussein, 31, are highly skilled helicopter pilots, a distinction that sets them apart and fosters a unique camaraderie. Prince William served for three years as a search and rescue pilot with the RAF at RAF Valley in Anglesey, North Wales. He later transitioned to flying air ambulances before taking on full-time royal duties. Crown Prince Hussein completed his pilot training with the Royal Jordanian Air Force (RJAF) in 2019 and currently holds the rank of Major in the Jordanian armed forces.
During their tour of RAF Benson, the princes were visibly at ease, sharing their passion for aviation. Prince William candidly referred to flying as his “happy place” and reminisced about his “glory days” flying Sea King helicopters on rescue missions. He noted, “I do still fly, yeah – I keep my hours going. When you learn that skill set, you just don’t want it to go,” as reported by Mirror. This shared experience creates a bond that transcends their royal positions, rooting their friendship in mutual respect and understanding.
RAF Benson: A Glimpse into Modern Military Operations
The choice of RAF Benson for their joint engagement was particularly meaningful for Prince William. The base is now home to No. 22 Squadron, William’s former search and rescue unit, which reformed there in 2020. This allowed the Prince of Wales to reconnect with old colleagues and see firsthand how the squadron continues its vital work. RAF Benson is a key military installation providing rapid support for U.K. military operations worldwide.
The base hosts several critical squadrons, including:
- No. 22 Squadron: Responsible for operational testing, evaluation, tactics, and training for all aviation within Joint Aviation Command.
- No. 28 (Army Cooperation) Squadron: The Chinook operational conversion unit, which trains aircrew before their deployment to the front line.
During their visit, the princes met with trainee aircrew and staff from both No. 28 (AC) Sqn and No. 22 Sqn. They engaged with RAF personnel, discussing their roles on site and experiences from deployments around the world. The princes also visited the No. 28 (AC) Sqn hangar, where they met helicopter technicians and viewed various aircraft.
A hands-on moment saw both princes assisting technicians with maintenance work, tightening a nut on an oil reserve for a Chinook helicopter rotorhead using a torque wrench. William light-heartedly joked, “You will check before it goes back (into service), I don’t want to be responsible,” underlining the precision and responsibility inherent in aviation maintenance.
A Deep-Rooted Friendship and Alliance
The close relationship between Prince William and Crown Prince Hussein is well-documented. In 2023, William and his wife, Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales, famously attended the wedding of Hussein and Princess Rajwa in Jordan. Their friendship was also showcased during William’s 2018 visit to Amman, where the two princes shared a memorable experience watching a soccer game together.
The ties between the British and Jordanian royal families, and indeed their nations, run deep. Princess Kate herself has a personal connection to Jordan, having lived there for three years as a young child when her father, Michael Middleton, was relocated for work with British Airways. This personal history underscores the unique bond between the two countries, which was further celebrated when William and Kate took their children to Jordan for a private holiday in 2021, featuring a family snap from Petra on their Christmas card that year.
Wider Royal Engagements
The visit to RAF Benson was part of a larger trip to Britain for Crown Prince Hussein and his wife, Princess Rajwa Al Hussein. While the princes were at the air base, Princess Rajwa was on a separate engagement with William’s cousin, Princess Eugenie. They visited a charity focusing on providing artwork to healthcare settings to support mental health, demonstrating a commitment to charitable causes across the royal families.
The Enduring Significance of Their Alliance
The reunion of Prince William and Crown Prince Hussein at RAF Benson was more than a formal event; it was a reaffirmation of a strong personal friendship and a vital international alliance. As future monarchs, their shared experiences and mutual respect fortify the relationship between their nations, building a foundation for continued cooperation and understanding on a global stage. The visit underscored their collective commitment to their armed forces and their dedication to public service, inspiring both servicemen and civilians alike.
