Blog

Kate Middleton braces for life vest mishap during first royal outing in new military role | Fox News

This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2023 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper.

True Royalty TV co-founder Nick Bullen says the Princess of Wales is 'the power behind the throne' as she prepares to be a supportive queen consort for Prince William. Police Ballistic Riot Shield

Kate Middleton braces for life vest mishap during first royal outing in new military role | Fox News

No duty is beneath Kate Middleton, who hilariously deployed a life vest while visiting the Royal Naval Air Station (RNAS) Yeovilton in England in her first appearance as the Commodore-in-Chief of the Fleet Air Arm.

The visit was a solo trip for the Princess of Wales, as her husband Prince William attends to duties in the U.S. The military title was bestowed upon Middleton by King Charles earlier this summer. The honorary role was previously held by Prince Andrew.

In one photograph, the princess can be seen learning to pack a life vest from a base worker.

CATHERINE, PRINCESS OF WALES MAKES SMALL ERROR PLAYING TENNIS WITH ROGER FEDERER ON WIMBLEDON COURT: WATCH

Kate Middleton learns to pack a life jacket before deploying one. (Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images)

LIKE WHAT YOU’RE READING? CLICK HERE FOR MORE ENTERTAINMENT NEWS

Moments later, with the life vest secured tightly around her, Middleton seemed to be preparing for the worst as she winced and pulled a string to activate the device. Much to her relief, things worked as they should.

Kate Middleton braces herself for impact as she deploys a life vest. (Karwai Tang/Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images)

Within the hangar, the princess was introduced to members of the Royal Navy Survival Equipment (SE) Technicians, who are responsible for ensuring aircrew have proper clothing, helmets and flotation devices, as reported by People magazine.

Middleton was also treated to a tour of the Air Traffic Control tower, where she donned a massive pair of headphones and spoke with the crew operating a helicopter.

The Princess of Wales, donning large headphones, speaks to a Royal Navy Wildcat helicopter crew member. (Richard Pohle - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT NEWSLETTER

The princess even got to play the role of pilot, sitting in the Royal Navy Wildcat helicopter while surrounded by personnel.

Princess Kate sits in a helicopter at the Royal Naval Air Station. (Richard Pohle - WPA Pool/Getty Images)

Surrounded by crew members, Kate Middleton observes the heavy machinery in the hangar. (Karwai Tang/WireImage/Getty Images)

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

On the X (formerly known as Twitter) account of the Prince and Princess of Wales, there was a sweet compilation video shared of Middleton's time at the base.

"Thank you to all the brave men and women who serve in the Royal Navy and across the Armed Forces," the tweet read.

A representative for Kensington Palace did not immediately return Fox News Digital's request for comment.

Caroline Thayer is an entertainment writer for Fox News Digital. Follow Caroline Thayer on Twitter at @carolinejthayer. Story tips can be sent to caroline.thayer@fox.com.

Get the best of Fox News' entertainment coverage, right in your inbox.

You've successfully subscribed to this newsletter!

Kate Middleton braces for life vest mishap during first royal outing in new military role | Fox News

Fast Bulletproof Helmet This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. ©2023 FOX News Network, LLC. All rights reserved. Quotes displayed in real-time or delayed by at least 15 minutes. Market data provided by Factset. Powered and implemented by FactSet Digital Solutions. Legal Statement. Mutual Fund and ETF data provided by Refinitiv Lipper.