Prince William has secretly agreed to become patron of the Special Air Service Regimental Association (SASRA).
The Prince of Wales, 43, spoke of his respect for the Special Air Service (SAS) in a private newsletter sent to members to confirm his patronage.
‘It is with a deep sense of honour and respect that I accept your invitation to become patron of the Special Air Service Regimental Association,’ William said.
‘The SAS has long stood as a symbol of courage, resilience and unwavering dedication to duty and the service of this country.
‘The association continues that camaraderie forged on the battlefield and provides essential support to its members and families.’
The SASRA is a registered charity that supports both serving members and veterans of the SAS, whose motto is ‘Who Dares Wins’.
The 5000-strong association proudly boasts: ‘No member or member’s widow is ever turned away if the problem is a genuine one.’
William said he looks forward to working alongside the SASRA and pledged to help ensure ‘the sacrifices and achievements of SAS members past and present are recognised’.
Prince William (pictured) has agreed to become patron of the Special Air Service Regimental Association
The Prince of Wales (pictured at the Army Air Corps) spent time with the SAS as a young man and has maintained contact since
In the same newsletter, the association’s chairperson shared their ‘delight’ at the announcement, according to the Mirror.
William first visited Stirling Lines, the headquarters of the 22 SAS Regiment in Credenhill, Herefordshire, as a young boy, and spent time with the SAS as a young officer.
He has maintained contact with the community since – even attending a private memorial service for the last surviving member of the original wartime SAS in April 2024.
The father-of-three will further his support in the patronage.
William ended his message in the newsletter wishing members ‘a very Merry Christmas’.
He wrote: ‘At this special time of year, I wish you and your families a very Merry Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
‘May the festive season bring comfort, joy and renewed strength to all within the SAS family.’
It is understood William’s patronage will boost morale among currently serving members as well as veterans of the SAS.
William (pictured right) is affiliated to a number of military regiments from all three branches of the armed forces
William, Colonel-in-Chief of the Army Air Corps, visits the regiment in Wattisham in June 2025
The Prince of Wales flies a search and rescue helicopter at RAF Valley in Anglesey in 2013
As a senior member of the royal family, William is affiliated to a number of military regiments from all three branches of the armed forces including as Royal Colonel of the Welsh Guards.
He completed more than seven years of military service after his officer training at Sandhurst.
William was commissioned as a British Army officer in December 2006 but also had attachments in the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, where he finished his military career as a search and rescue helicopter pilot at RAF Valley in Anglesey in 2013.
Now, his patronage at the SASRA gives a royal stamp of approval to the secretive special force.