Prince of Wales visits Harrogate's RAF Menwith Hill to celebrate 60 years of operations

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During a visit which lasted an hour and a half yesterday, Monday, His Royal Highness viewed the park built to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of operations at the site.

The park also celebrates the base’s close relationship with the local community, providing a space for people to find quiet and calm.

The area is set to form a focal point of community events and celebrations in the years to come, as well as a spot for families to gather.

His Royal Highness, who was hosted by the RAF Cdr, Sqn Ldr Geoff Dickson, and the U.S Site Director, also visited the operations centre where he learned about the station’s history, mission and organisational partnerships, before addressing the workforce.

He met members of the Ministry of Defence and staff who work at the base to thank them and acknowledge the important work that they undertake.

Following the visits, Sqn Ldr Geoff Dickson said: “The delight on the faces of our employees reflects the honour we all feel in seeing His Royal Highness come to RAF Menwith Hill to see firsthand the work that we do, particularly in the year in which we are commemorating 60 years of operations.”

RAF Menwith Hill is a joint UK and U.S. defence communications establishment, providing intelligence support for UK, U.S. and allied interests.

The Prince of Wales maintains a close interest in the work of the Intelligence Agencies.

In 2011 he became the first Royal Patron of the MI5, SIS and GCHQ, and has regular meetings with senior representatives from each agency.

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His Royal Highness also presents the ‘The Prince of Wales’s Intelligence Community Awards’, to honour those whose vital work could never be celebrated publicly.