Zach Stubbings, Prince William's Ex-flying Instructor and Father of Three, Dies at 47 – Details

Zach Stubbings, a former flying instructor for Prince William and father of three, has died at the age of 47. He served over ten years in the British Royal Air Force (RAF). Stubbings passed away after battling cancer, which was linked to his exposure to fuel fumes while flying military helicopters, especially the Sea King model.

The 47-year-old leaves behind his wife, Anna-Louise Bates. His sister, Becci Louise Stubbings, wrote a heartfelt message on Facebook, saying, "Today we said farewell to my brother Zach. He was loved by many, and I am grateful to everyone who supported him. He was a caring brother, a father to his boys, and a son to our parents. He will be missed xx."

Stubbings was diagnosed with blood cancer in 2012. The illness led to his medical discharge from the RAF in 2015. He described his diagnosis as a shock because he had no prior symptoms. At first, doctors thought he might be allergic to his work suits, but further tests confirmed he had cancer. He was told it was a type that rarely goes into remission, but he managed to keep it under control with regular blood tests.

He had managed to keep his cancer inactive for eight years after undergoing chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant. Stubbings stated that exposure to the exhaust fumes from Sea King helicopters was unavoidable. These fumes, which stained parts of the aircraft, circulated through the cabin, affecting both pilots and crew. Many, including a Navy pilot, developed cancer after long-term exposure.

Despite the health risks, he recalled fondly working with Prince William, who joined 22 Squadron in 2010 and was his student. William flew search-and-rescue helicopters from RAF Valley on Anglesey from 2010 to 2013. Stubbings said, "Will was at risk just like everyone else."

Outside of work, Stubbings remembered creating special mugs for William's wedding with his team. Each mug had their names, including one meant for William that was broken—something he recalled with a smile. He also remembered a moment with William in the operations room before he started treatment. Though details are hazy, he remembered William's kindness.

This conversation was one of the last they shared, and it left a lasting impression on him. His cancer diagnosis changed his life, forcing him to switch to lighter duties and giving up plans for promotion. He was grateful for the support he received during his illness. He was on track to become a Master Aircrew before his health declined.

Sadly, Stubbings lost his fight with cancer. Richard Sutton, a former navy commander who served with him, said Stubbings passed away in January after being admitted to a hospice. Sutton described him as friendly, positive, and always saying "happy days." He noted Stubbings was deeply committed to his family.

Sutton and others from a WhatsApp group, which included six veterans diagnosed with cancer, have seen many members die. Only two remain alive. Sutton himself was diagnosed in 2011 and has fought nine tumors. He said, "It shows how serious this is. I feel lucky to still be here."

In 2024, Stubbings spoke openly about his exposure to harmful fumes during his military service and his ongoing cancer battle. Despite health struggles, he stayed positive, making the most of his days. When asked how he coped, he responded, "You do what you can. It affects you, but you make the most of it. I could have lost my legs, but I didn’t."

He also expressed gratitude, saying, "My life expectancy was ten years, but I’ve outlived that. In my last year, I spent time with my young son, creating memories despite the illness." During a break from treatment, he enjoyed some quiet days with his son, cherishing those moments.

Stubbings served in the RAF from 2000 to 2015. He was part of a group that received some compensation from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) after his cancer diagnosis was linked to fuel fumes, though the payout was small. It took six years for the MoD to admit their fumes contributed to his illness.

Many other affected veterans are now seeking legal action against the MoD. Louisa Donaghy, a solicitor, described Stubbings' death as a tragic loss and stressed the importance of accountability. She highlighted his long fight with multiple myeloma and said the MoD should take responsibility.

Clare Macnaughton, whose husband died last year from a similar illness after long-term exposure to helicopter fumes, praised Stubbings as a trailblazer. She said he inspired others to challenge the military over their health issues. She stated that the military settled out of court because they wanted to avoid revealing evidence of their knowledge.

She accused the MoD of betrayal, emphasizing the conditioning of service members to obey orders and serve without question. Macnaughton said they had been betrayed, and the MoD should be ashamed, criticizing them with the words, "they have blood on their hands."

A Ministry of Defence spokesperson expressed condolences, stating, "Any loss is tragic. Our thoughts are with Zach's family and friends." They added that the department continually reviews safety procedures and is testing helicopter exhaust emissions to ensure the safety of military personnel.

Stubbings will be missed by his family, friends, and colleagues. His wife faced grief again, having lost her first husband and young son a decade earlier when they were killed by a careless driver. She met Stubbings through her charity, Believe, which campaigns for organ donation after her own losses.

The couple married in May 2020 at a private ceremony and later held a blessing at St. Martin’s Church in Roath. They did not ask for presents but set up a fundraiser for the charities Believe and Help for Heroes, which supported Stubbings after his diagnosis.

Sutton added that Stubbings’ wife showed remarkable strength during his illness and after his passing. Though devastated, she coped as well as anyone could under such circumstances.