Queen's Hair Windswept During Visit to RAF Base

On Friday, the Queen’s hair became an unexpected casualty of the windy conditions during her visit to RAF Leeming in North Yorkshire, proving that even royal styling can't always withstand the forces of nature. As she stepped onto the airfield, a gust of wind swept through, disrupting her neatly arranged hair as she greeted service personnel and their families. Commenting on the weather, which also played havoc with her blue Fiona Clare dress, she was informed, “It literally started blowing up just before you arrived.”

The Queen visited the base in her capacity as Honorary Air Commodore, where Station Commander Group Captain Paul Hamilton introduced her to members of 11 Squadron QEAF, who train both RAF and Qatari pilots on Hawk jets. She also met specialists from 90 Signals, who focus on communications and cyber defense, and a counter-drone team that worked on the Coronation and recently collaborated with French forces for the upcoming Olympics. After a group photo, Qatari pilots presented her with a medallion, to which she graciously responded, “Thank you very much, I shall find somewhere safe for this.”

During a tour of the station’s wellness area, featuring allotments, a polytunnel, chicken coops, and beehives, the Queen met 18-month-old Ophelia Barsby. Her father, Liam Barsby, 24, a radar technician, shared how much Ophelia enjoyed feeding the chickens. The Queen, smiling, remarked, “It’s good to start them young. There’s nothing better than getting in your garden. It’s very soothing.”

As her visit concluded, the Queen was treated to a flyover by three Hawk jets before departing to rejoin the King in Scotland for the weekend, where they will attend the Braemar Games and mark the second anniversary of his accession.

The Queen's visit to RAF Leeming showcased not only her enduring connection with the military but also her warm, personable nature, as she engaged with personnel, their families, and even shared gardening advice with a young child. Despite the windswept moments, the visit was marked by meaningful encounters, a symbolic flyover, and a medallion presentation, reflecting her deep commitment to her role as Honorary Air Commodore. As she returned to Scotland to join the King for the weekend's events, including the Braemar Games, her visit to the base added another memorable chapter to her longstanding service to the nation.