RAF centenary: Royals at Westminster Abbey ahead of flypast

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The Queen and other members of the Royal Family have marked the centenary of the Royal Air Force at a special service in Westminster Abbey.The service began what the head of the RAF said would be a "tremendous" day of events to mark its 100 years.Thousands gathered to watch a parade on The Mall, and up to 100 aircraft representing the RAF over the years are due to fly over Buckingham Palace.It will be the first time the new F-35 Lightning will be seen by the public.Nine helicopters will lead the armada, while the Red Arrows will bring up the rear.The aircraft will assemble in holding patterns off the coast of East Anglia before merging near Ipswich and flying down the A12 corridor to London for the flypast at 1300 BST.In his address at Westminster Abbey, the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Most Reverend Justin Welby, said the RAF had played a "decisive factor in saving this country's independence, its democracy and its freedom; its hope of civilisation and its contribution to humanity for the future".He added: "It is also right to remember with sorrow and again profound thanksgiving the scores of thousands who have given their lives in service as part of the RAF." The Queen, who did not attend Prince Louis' christening on Monday, attended the service along with the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke of Cambridge and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.Retired and serving members of the RAF were also there, along with the Chief of the Defence Staff, General Sir Nick Carter, and politicians including Prime Minister Theresa May, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn.Princes William wore the No 1 uniform of the Royal Air Force, and his RAF wings in recognition that he is a qualified RAF pilot.The Duke of Sussex's uniform carried RAF Regiment shoulder flashes in recognition of the home of the RAF, RAF Honington, and his role as Honorary Air Commandant of the base.Thousands of people have gathered on The Mall to watch the parade and flypast, with roads in central London being closed until 17:00 BST.Surrounded by other members of the Royal Family, the Queen presented a new Queen's Colour to the RAF in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace and made a brief speech before moving to the balcony for the flypast.Air Vice-Marshal Gerry Mayhew, the senior responsible officer for the flypast, said the day is the "centrepiece" of the events marking the RAF's 100th year.He said: "It is a great opportunity to look back and really celebrate our past, but to look forward is a really important thing for us as we look to the next 100 years." It was on April 1 1918 that the Royal Flying Corps and the Royal Naval Air Service merged to create the RAF - the world's first independent air force.Ahead of the service, the head of the Royal Air Force, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, led the laying of wreaths at the RAF Memorial on the Victoria Embankment.He said: "Bringing together that big parade, the new colour and the flypast - th
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