This article is more than 2 years old

This article is more than 2 years old

The Queen has praised the Royal Air Force for its “tenacity, skill and gallantry” as she was joined by senior members of the royal family at the centrepiece of centenary events.



Standing in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace as she presented a new Queen’s colour to the RAF, she spoke of the “remarkable contribution to defence” over the last 100 years.

More than 100 RAF aircraft thundered across the skies of London in the biggest display of military aircraft in recent memory. In their biggest formation, 22 Typhoon jets spelled out the number 100.

“Presenting the Royal Air Force with a new Queen’s colour provides an opportunity to congratulate the service for your remarkable contribution to defence over the last 100 years,” the Queen said.

“Tenacity, skill and gallantry have been your hallmarks as you helped safeguard freedom and security in many parts of the world. I remember the Battle of Britain being fought over the skies above us and we shall never forget the courage and sacrifice of that time.”

She recalled how her father, King George VI, was the first member of her family to qualify as an RAF pilot and served alongside the service’s founder, Lord Trenchard.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest The Queen presents a new Queen’s colour to the RAF at Buckingham Palace. Photograph: Tolga Akmen/AFP/Getty Images

She took the royal salute at the ceremony as the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex watched nearby.



The Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service merged to create the RAF, the world’s first independent air service, on 1 April 1918.

On Tuesday Puma and Chinook helicopters began the spectacle, followed by aircraft including a Lancaster, Spitfires, Hurricanes, the A400M Atlas, Tornados and three F-35 stealth fighter jets. The Red Arrows streamed red, white and blue smoke over the length of the Mall.

Earlier the royals attended a service at Westminster Abbey along with dignitaries including Theresa May, Jeremy Corbyn and the defence secretary, Gavin Williamson.