Prince William’s secret visit to M16 revealed

The Prince of Wales made an unannounced, official visit to the Secret Intelligence Service this week – and the reason why is still under wraps.

Prince William has made a quiet visit to the UK’s Secret Intelligence Service headquarters, with details of its purpose kept tightly under wraps.

The south London-based organisation, also known as M16, is responsible for collecting international intelligence in order to protect Britain from foreign risks.

The Prince of Wales’ covert meeting on Thursday afternoon, local time, only came to light when a brief notice was published on the royals’ official website afterwards. No prior announcement was made, and the reason for his visit was not shared.

The entry in the Court Circular read simply: “The Prince of Wales this afternoon visited the Secret Intelligence Service”.

William – pictured here on a separate engagement in Cardiff this week – made a low-key visit to M16 on Thursday. Picture: Geoff Caddick – WPA Pool/Getty Images

It marked William’s third private visit to M16, having previously been there on his own in 2022, and with his wife, Kate, in 2012.

In 2019, the future King also spent three weeks working with M16, M15 – The Security Service – and GCHQ (Government Communications Headquarters, an intelligence gathering organisation) in order to better understand how the intelligence organisations work.

“These agencies are full of people from everyday backgrounds doing the most extraordinary work to keep us safe,” he said afterwards.

“They work in secret, often not even able to tell their family and friends about the work they do or the stresses they face.”

William’s latest secret visit comes just days ahead of his scheduled appearance at the Trooping the Colour parade, which will take place on Saturday.

It’s one of the most high-profile engagements on the royal calendar, and speculation has been rife that the Princess of Wales may join her family for their traditional appearance on Buckingham Palace balcony on the day.

The Wales’ during the 2022 Trooping the Colour event. Picture: Daniel Leal/AFP

However, there’s been no indication from any official channels that she is planning to attend.

Earlier this week, Kate issued a rare message after missing a key royal engagement during her break from royal duties.

The future Queen wrote a letter to the Irish Guards apologising for her absence at the Trooping the Colour rehearsal. In her role as honorary Colonel, Kate would usually partake in the Colonel’s Review of the regiment in the days leading up to the annual parade.

“I wanted to write and let you know how proud I am of the entire Regiment ahead of the Colonel’s Review and Trooping the Colour. I appreciate everyone trooping this year has been practising for months, and dedicating many hours to ensuring their uniforms and drills are immaculate,” she wrote in the note, which was posted on the official X account for the Irish Guards.

“Please pass my apologies to the whole Regiment, however I do hope that I am able to represent you all once again very soon.

“Please send my very best wishes and good luck to all involved. Colonel Catherine.”

Originally published as Prince William’s secret visit to M16 revealed