Prince William made an unannounced visit to M16 headquarters in London on June 13. The reason behind the visit is being kept secret.

In London, “MI6” refers to the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS), the United Kingdom’s foreign intelligence service. MI6 is responsible for gathering intelligence outside the UK to support the country’s national security. The name “MI6” stands for “Military Intelligence, Section 6,” which was its wartime name.  Now, it is more formally known as the Secret Intelligence Service (SIS).

The Prince met with the British Secret Intelligence Service. In most cases, royal visits are announced before the visit. In this case, William’s visit became known after he left M16.

According to an article in the NY Post, “The heir to the throne’s visit was published Friday morning in the Court Circular — the daily list of official royal engagements.” No further details of the reason for this visit were provided.

In 2019, Prince William made a notable visit to MI6 as part of a broader tour that included other intelligence agencies like MI5 and GCHQ. These visits were part of his learning about the UK’s security, and meeting the individuals working to protect the country.

He made a more secret visit back in 2022, and brought Kate Middleton for a visit back in 2012.

Of course, the Queen has also visited MI6 during her reign, highlighting the importance of the agency’s work to the nation.

News.com.au posted a quote from the Prince “These agencies are full of people from everyday backgrounds doing the most extraordinary work to keep us safe,” he remarked. “They work in secret, often not even able to tell their family and friends about the work they do or the  stresses they face.”

This latest secret meeting came right before his apperance in the Trooping the Colour parade, scheduled to occur on June 15.

The parade is one of the most important royal events of the year. There is speculation Kate Middleton may make an appearance on the Buckinghan Palace balcony.

Another possible reason for a M16 visit, is that William made his visit to M16 a few hours after King Charles selected Baroness Manningham-Buller to be the first female chancellor of the Order of the Garter. Previously, she was former director general of MI5