Royal Bonds: Prince William Teams Up with Prince Hussein of Jordan for a Meaningful Outing.HL

On October 15, 2025, Prince William, the Prince of Wales, welcomed Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan to the United Kingdom for a visit that emphasized both their strong personal friendship and the enduring alliance between Britain and Jordan. The pair, both trained helicopter pilots, spent the day at RAF Benson, an airbase located in Oxfordshire, where they toured the facilities and met with military personnel.

Prince William and Crown Prince Hussein of Jordan at RAF Benson in Wallingford, Oxfordshire

The visit was not just a professional engagement but a reflection of the close bond shared between the two royal heirs. Prince William and Crown Prince Hussein have enjoyed a long-standing friendship, having attended each other’s significant life events. Notably, in 2023, William and his wife, Kate Middleton, were in attendance at Hussein’s wedding to Princess Rajwa of Jordan. Their camaraderie also extended to lighter moments, such as when they shared a memorable soccer game during William’s 2018 visit to Amman, highlighting the deep, informal connection between the two.

Prince William with trainee aircrew and staff at RAF Benson, Oxfordshire, U.K

RAF Benson, a key base for British military operations, holds special significance for Prince William. It was here that he served as a search and rescue pilot for three years with No. 22 Squadron, a role he took up after training at RAF Valley in Anglesey, North Wales. As part of the visit, Prince William introduced Crown Prince Hussein to members of the No. 22 and No. 28 (Army Cooperation) Squadrons, which have since moved to RAF Benson. The squadrons play a vital role in operational testing, evaluation, and training for aviation in the Joint Aviation Command, while No. 28 Squadron focuses on Chinook helicopter operations and training for aircrews prior to frontline deployment.

Prince William looks at a main rotor head from a Chinook helicopter at RAF Benson in Oxfordshir

The visit also offered the royal duo a chance to meet trainee aircrew and speak with RAF personnel about their roles and experiences. For Crown Prince Hussein, it was an opportunity to meet with helicopter technicians and view the state-of-the-art aircraft, including the Chinook helicopters, as he continues to expand his own aviation knowledge. Hussein, who completed his pilot training with the Royal Jordanian Air Force in 2019, is no stranger to the demands of military aviation.

Beyond their professional interests, the visit also served as a reminder of the royal family’s strong ties with Jordan. It underscored the shared values of both nations, as well as the close collaboration between their armed forces. The relationship between Prince William and Crown Prince Hussein is rooted in mutual respect, forged not only through their military training but also through shared experiences and a shared commitment to public service.

Prince William and Crown prince Hussein of Jordan visit RAF Benson

While Prince William and Crown Prince Hussein were immersed in military matters, their spouses were also engaged in their own royal duties. Princess Rajwa al Hussein, who is accompanying her husband on this visit, enjoyed a separate outing with Princess Eugenie, William’s cousin, where they learned about a charity dedicated to providing artwork for healthcare settings to support mental health. This visit highlighted the ongoing work of the royal family in supporting charitable causes and raising awareness for important social issues.

As Prince William and Crown Prince Hussein’s friendship continues to grow, their shared interests in aviation and their commitment to their royal roles remain a strong foundation for their relationship. Their visit to RAF Benson not only celebrated their bond but also showcased the important work being done by both the British and Jordanian armed forces, reinforcing the ongoing partnership between their countries.