Prince William has shared an emotional statement following the passing of John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway, a World War II veteran and the last surviving Battle of Britain pilot.

The heartfelt tribute was posted on social media earlier today (Tuesday, March 18).

The Last Battle of Britain Pilot Has Passed Away

On Monday (March 17), it was announced that John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway had passed away at the age of 105.

Originally from Dublin, Hemingway joined the RAF as a teenager before the outbreak of World War II. By the time he was 21, he was already serving as a fighter pilot during the Battle of Britain—a critical three-month conflict where British air forces defended the skies against an intense German assault by the Luftwaffe.

The pilots who fought in this battle became known as ‘The Few’, a term coined by Winston Churchill in his famous speech:

“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”

It is with great sadness we announce the passing of John ‘Paddy’ Hemingway DFC – Last of ‘The Few’. We reflect not only on his sacrifices, but the sacrifices of all those who served & fought in WWII.

Paddy, thank you for your service.

Per Ardua ad Astrahttps://t.co/ijgtRpgFTm pic.twitter.com/0zebzgmf65

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