Members of the British Royal Family attended a series of events marking the centenary of the Royal Air Force in London on July 10th, with a service in Westminster Abbey, followed by a parade in The Mall and spectacular flypast over Buckingham Palace. The Royal Air Force (RAF) – the world’s first independent air force – was founded on 1 April 1918, independent of the British Army and Royal Navy.

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The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall arrive at Westminster Abbey to attend a service marking the Centenary of the @RoyalAirForce.#RAF100 pic.twitter.com/E9neKC7m7p

— Clarence House (@ClarenceHouse) July 10, 2018

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Her Majesty and other members of the Royal Family have attended the #RAF100 service & have returned to Buckingham Palace for the "Presentation of the Colours." pic.twitter.com/ZF42N1OWvX

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 10, 2018

In the morning, the Queen, accompanied by the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duke of Cambridge, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, the Duke of York, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Princess Royal and other members of the Royal Family, attended a service at Westminster Abbey to mark the centenary of the Royal Air Force.

"Tenacity, skill and gallantry have been your hallmarks" - Queen pays tribute to RAF at centenary celebrations https://t.co/L9SGUXXe6K #RAF100 pic.twitter.com/XkB5WNvitq

— BBC News (UK) (@BBCNews) July 10, 2018

On the forecourt at Buckingham Palace The Queen is joined by The Prince of Wales and other members of The Royal Family for a "Presentation of the Colours" to the @RoyalAirForce #RAF100 pic.twitter.com/jAaC8AsJR8

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 10, 2018

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Afterwards, the Queen, accompanied by the Prince of Wales, presented a new Queen’s Colour to the Royal Air Force at a ceremony to mark its centenary on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace. The Queen took the royal salute, presented the colour and made a brief speech. Following, the Royal Family viewed a flypast and feu de joie from the balcony of Buckingham Palace.

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Their Royal Highnesses met serving RAF personnel and charity representatives involved in the @RAF100_Appeal, as well as RAF Veterans and Civil Service personnel. #RAF100 pic.twitter.com/UmhvjIu2M9

— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) July 10, 2018

Later, the Prince of Wales an Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, and the Duke of York attended a reception at Buckingham Palace, where they met RAF servicemen and women, charity representatives involved in the RAF100 Appeal, RAF Veterans and Civil Service personnel involved in the centenary celebrations.

The Earl & Countess of Wessex, The Princess Royal & Sir Timothy Laurence, The Duke & Duchess of Gloucester, The Prince & Princess Michael of Kent, The Duke of Kent & Princess Alexandra watch a presentation of the #RAF100Relay at the @royalairforce’s reception on Horse Guards. pic.twitter.com/MgQfsroR8a

— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 10, 2018

Simultaneously, the Earl and Countess of Wessex, the Princess Royal, the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Duke of Kent, Prince and Princess Michael of Kent and Princess Alexandra attended a reception at Horse Guards Parade, where they viewed a variety of displays about the work and history of the Royal Air Force before meeting representatives from RAF charities, new recruits and RAF veterans.