Source : Perth Now news
Princess Catherine has led tributes to three Royal Navy personnel killed in a helicopter crash during a training exercise in Devon.
The Princess of Wales, 44, responded after a Royal Navy Merlin Mk4 helicopter crashed near Sourton Down, close to Okehampton, in the early hours of Wednesday morning, saying she and Prince William were holding the victims’ families and friends “in our hearts” following the tragedy.
The Ministry of Defence confirmed three service personnel had died, with the crash occurring during a training exercise between key Royal Navy bases in the south-west of England.
An investigation is now underway, with emergency services, military personnel and specialist recovery teams remaining at the scene.
The Prince and Princess of Wales are understood to be planning to contact the families privately, while King Charles, 77, has also been informed and is expected to write to those affected.
In a message shared on X, Catherine expressed her condolences to those mourning the loss of the crew members.
She said: “I was so saddened to hear of the tragic loss of three service personnel from the Fleet Air Arm following a helicopter training exercise last night.
“William and I hold their families and friends in our hearts at this very difficult time.”
The tribute comes during a period in which Catherine has increasingly returned to public duties following her cancer treatment, while continuing to support military organisations and causes linked to the armed forces.
William, 43, a former RAF search and rescue pilot, has long maintained close links with military personnel and veterans through his royal work.
The Ministry of Defence later confirmed the families of the three personnel had been informed and that they had requested “a period of grace” before more details were released.
Defence Secretary John Healey described himself as “devastated” by the deaths, while Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer addressed the incident during PM’s Questions.
Witnesses living near the crash site described hearing unusual sounds before seeing a flash in the sky.
The Merlin helicopter has served with the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm since 2000 and has been used on operations including troop transport, maritime patrol and missions in Afghanistan.
The aircraft can carry three crew members and up to 24 troops.
