HRH Prince Charles launches RFDS – Friends in the UK Aircraft in Longreach, Queensland in 39 degree heat

In November 2012, while on the Australian leg of his Diamond Jubilee tour, HRH Prince Charles officially named the new RFDS Beechcraft Kingair 200C aircraft in honour of the ‘RFDS Friends in the UK’ in recognition of funds raised by the RFDS Friends in the UK. HRH Prince Charles has been the Patron of the RFDS Friends in the UK since 2003.

This continues a long-standing relationship with the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) that began almost 60 years ago during the Queen’s first visit to Australia in 1954. Since then, the RFDS has been honoured by several Royal visits, most recently from HRH Prince William. At Longreach, Lord Glendonbrook CBE, Trustee of the RFDS Friends in the UK said: ‘The RFDS Friends in the UK are absolutely delighted to have an RFDS aircraft named in their honour. This will spur us on to ever greater fundraising success for the Flying Doctor’.