Prince William visited Imperial War Museum Duxford yesterday morning(July 9) to receive a restored Second World War Spitfire aircraft.
The Duke of Cambridge was there to welcome a Spitfire N3200, restored to its original specification to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain, as it was returned by the family of American entrepreneur Thomas Kaplan.
Mr Kaplan said: “The events of today are, more than anything else, concrete gestures of gratitude and remembrance for those who prevailed in one of the most pivotal battles in modern history.
“The return to Duxford of N3200, which was itself piloted by the heroic
Commander of RAF Duxford, is an act of love for Britain.”
John Romain of the Aircraft Restoration Company piloted the plane in an aerial display and Mr Kaplan handed over the original log book to The Duke of Cambridge and Diane Lees, Director-General of Imperial War Museums (IWM).
Ms Lees said: “This is immensely important to both IWM and the Nation. It is
incredibly special to see this Spitfire fly once again at IWM Duxford.
“We are immensely grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Kaplan.”
Prince William also visited the Battle of Britain exhibition and was introduced to the teams who restored the Spitfire.
The aircraft will feature in The Flying Legends Air Show at IWM Duxford this weekend (11 and 12 July) and play a large role in the Battle of Britain Anniversary Air Show at Duxford (19 and 20 September).
For more information visit: www.iwm.org.uk/visits/iwm-duxford
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