Princess Anne Takes the Controls of an Airbus A350 Simulator During Singapore Visit

Photo Credits: The Independent

Princess Anne got a taste of life in the cockpit during her official visit to Singapore, stepping into an Airbus A350 flight simulator for a virtual take-off. 

During her tour of the Airbus Asia Training Centre, the largest Airbus flight crew training facility in the world, the Princess Royal settled into the pilot’s seat, sharing a light moment with the captain as he briefed her on safety. Despite the rumble of thunder outside, Anne was assured the A350 would be “gentle”. 

Meanwhile, her husband, Vice Admiral Sir Tim Laurence, was busy preparing for his own simulated flight in a separate simulator. Soon enough, both units, complete with runway visuals and full-motion platforms, roared into action. 

The visit formed part of the couple’s second day in Singapore, marking 60 years of diplomatic ties between Singapore and the UK. 

After stepping out of the simulator, Anne continued to the nearby Rolls-Royce campus at Seletar. There, she was welcomed by staff and taken up close to the enormous jet engines produced on site. Dressed in a beige buttoned jacket, trousers, and a striped shirt, she examined the massive Trent XWB engine, the same model that powers the A350 she had just “flown”. 

Before leaving, Anne signed the visitor book, displayed in front of the engine. She was told the book also bears the signatures of the Prince and Princess of Wales, who toured the campus in 2012 during celebrations for Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee. 

William and Kate had even been invited to test a multimillion-pound jet engine during that visit more than a decade ago. 

As Anne and Sir Tim wrapped up their engagement, they were met with warm applause from dozens of Rolls-Royce employees gathered to greet them, a fitting end to a day that blended aviation, engineering, and royal charm.