A deadly Spitfire accident near an RAF base prompted an unusual social media comment by Prince William and Kate Middleton. The Prince and Princess of Wales expressed their "incredible sadness" over the pilot's death in a sorrowful post on X (previously Twitter).

Saturday's Battle of Britain event in Coningsby, Lincolnshire, saw the plane crash in a field. @KensingtonRoyal tweeted, "Sad news from RAF Coningsby this afternoon. Tonight, we think about the pilot's family, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, and the RAF. W & C."

Police and first responders arrived after 1:20 pm. A resident told GB News, "Definitely a Spitfire. It sounded slow when it took off at 1:20 pm. We heard it wheeze and choke after taking off. It was 100m up. It turned left and over. Trees blocked our view. Helimed and five to eight fire vehicles were present."

Ministry of Defence spokesperson: "We are saddened to confirm the death of an RAF pilot in a terrible accident near RAF Coningsby today. We've informed the pilot's family and requested privacy during this difficult time."

Lincolnshire Police stated, "The pilot was the only occupant. Police cannot confirm his identity, but his family has been notified. It appears nobody else was hurt."

The police said, "Emergency services were called just before 1:20 pm today (Saturday, May 25) and responded instantly. The pilot died at the site from his injuries. The cause is being investigated."