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Aircraft which King Charles learned to fly in takes to the sky at Shuttleworth this May
The Royal Chipmunk will be part of a celebration of the de Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk’s 80th anniversary
Shuttleworth, visitor attraction and event venue home to some of the world’s oldest airworthy examples of historic aircraft and Regency Swiss Garden, announces that the aircraft which King Charles learned to fly in, the Royal Chipmunk, will fly at its Wings & Wheels Air Show on 30 May 2026.
In a celebration of 80 years of the de Havilland DHC-1 Chipmunk, four Chipmunks, including the Royal Chipmunk and Shuttleworth’s own Chipmunk, will fly in formation. Four nations who operated the Chipmunk will be represented in the display, including the Canadian, Portuguese, and British Royal Navy and Royal Air Force.
The Royal Chipmunk was used as a training aircraft by King Charles whilst he was a student at the University of Cambridge, and he flew solo in the model for the first time on 14 January 1969. Just two months later, the thenβPrince successfully obtained his private pilot’s licence, and on 2 August 1969, he was presented with the RAF Preliminary Flying Badge. In August 1971, he was presented with his RAF wings. The Chipmunk also served as the training aircraft for the Duke of Kent, as well as for the late Queen Elizabeth’s cousins, Prince Michael and Prince William.
Built in 1952, the Royal Chipmunk served with the RAF Queen’s Flight from 20 September 1960 until 12 June 1964. Since 2001, the Royal Chipmunk has been based at Shuttleworth and operated by the Henlow Chipmunk Group.
James Butt, Aviation Coordinator at Shuttleworth, commented: “We are pleased to include the Royal Chipmunk in our celebration of the Chipmunk’s 80th anniversary at Wings & Wheels. It is an aircraft with a lot of character and has a notable place in British aviation history, thanks to its strong ties to the Royal Family. We’re set to have a stellar line-up of visiting display aircraft at the show beyond the Chipmunks too, with Europe’s two only
airworthy Grumman FM-2 Wildcats and Rich Goodwin’s Jet Pitts S2SE also visiting.”
About Wings & Wheels Air Show
Shuttleworth is excited to introduce its Wings & Wheels Air Show, a new theme for 2026, highlighting all aspects of its unique Collection, from airworthy vintage aircraft to veteran vehicles, bicycles, carriages, and heritage machinery. The event will feature a new arena area, which will include a racing simulator, "show and shine" display section, activity arena with live performances and a central Shuttleworth Marquee showcasing a range of core Shuttleworth vehicles. A thrilling air display from both Collection and visiting aircraft will entertain audiences in the afternoon and evening.
To find out more about Wings & Wheels and book your tickets, click here.
