100 military aircraft thunder across London skies as Royal Family gathers to watch centenary celebration

Standing in the forecourt of Buckingham Palace as she presented the Queen’s Colour to the RAF, she spoke of the “remarkable contribution to defence” over the last 100 years. A vast array of more than 100 RAF aircraft roared and thundered across the skies of London as the Queen and members of the Royal Family watched the biggest display of military aircraft in recent memory from the palace balcony.

In their biggest ever formation, 22 Typhoon jets spelt out the number “100” in the sky – an added surprise for the Royals, personnel and the throngs of public spectators who had packed out the streets to watch.

The Queen spoke proudly not only as the RAF’s Air Commodore-in-Chief, but also as a citizen who remembered the Battle of Britain, and as a daughter whose father King George VI served with the RAF.

She said: “Presenting the Royal Air Force with a new Queen’s Colour provides an opportunity to congratulate the service for your remarkable contribution to defence over the last 100 years.

“Tenacity, skill and gallantry have been your hallmarks as you helped safeguard freedom and security in many parts of the world. I remember the Battle of Britain being fought over the skies above us and we shall never forget the courage and sacrifice of that time.”

She also took the Royal Salute at the ceremony as her relatives including the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke of Cambridge plus the Duke and Duchess of Sussex watched nearby.

It was 100 years ago 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 service.

At just after 1pm on Tuesday, Puma and Chinook helicopters began the spectacle, followed by aircraft including a Lancaster, Spitfires, Hurricanes, the A400M Atlas, Tornados and three F-35 stealth fighter jets. Drawing the spectacle to a close were the Red Arrows, who in traditional aerobatic style streamed red, white and blue smoke down the length of the Mall. The Queen recalled how her father was the first member of her family to qualify as an RAF pilot and served alongside the service’s founder Lord Trenchard.

Beginning the special day of events, members of the Royal Family including the Queen, the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the Duke and Duchess of Sussex attended a service at Westminster Abbey.

And despite still being on maternity leave after giving birth to Prince Louis only 11 weeks ago, it is understood that Kate felt it was important to attend yesterday’s celebrations.

More than 2,200 people packed Westminster Abbey for the service, with dignitaries including Prime Minister Theresa May, Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson and Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn attending. Charles, William and Harry all chose to wear No 1 RAF uniform to the abbey.