.The Duchess is attending a service at RAF church St Clement Danes, London, followed by a reception
- .Kate was appointed as Honorary Air Commandant in December taking over from the Duke of Edinburgh
- .The Duchess wore a pale blue custom-made Alexander McQueen coat and Air Cadets Dacre brooch
- .For more on the latest news about The Duchess visit www.dailymail.co.uk/kate
She may have been keeping a relatively low profile of late but the Duchess of Cambridge made a colourful return today as she attended her first official engagement of the year.
The royal, 34, was elegant in a blue custom-made Alexander McQueen coat as she joined the Air Cadets to mark their 75th anniversary, as Honorary Air Commandant of the organisation.
Her perfectly coiffed locks were offset by a black Lock and Co hat and she wore an Air Cadets Dacre brooch, known to be the highest award any female cadet can achieve.
Royal welcome: The Duchess of Cambridge, Honorary Air Commandant, joined members of the RAF Air Cadets to mark their 75th anniversary for her first official engagement of the year
Dressed to impress: The Duchess managed to give off a military air in her custom-made Alexander McQueen coat - an outfit she first sported in New Zealand
The thrifty Duchess is well known for recycling outfits and today was no exception, having first been pictured in the coat in 2014 during a visit to New Zealand where she lay a wreath in the town of Blenheim in memory of the war dead.
Today was a lighter occasion as hundreds of well-wishers lined London's Strand as she greeted members of the Air Cadets, marking her first engagement for them since her appointment last year.
The Duke of Edinburgh passed his patronage of the RAF Air Cadets on to the Duchess in December 2015, after 63 years serving as Air Commodore-in-Chief.
Kate is attending a service at RAF church St Clement Danes, London, and then will proceed to a reception held nearby at the Royal Courts of Justice, giving Cadets the opportunity to introduce their new patron.
There the Duchess will also learn more about their numerous programmes and activities by meeting a selection of current cadets, veterans and adult volunteers.
Marking the occasion: Kate is attending a service at RAF church St Clement Danes, London, and then will proceed to a reception held nearby at the Royal Courts of Justice, giving Cadets the opportunity to introduce their new Patron
Carol Vorderman, an honorary ambassador for the Air Cadets, tweeted her support for the royal. She said: 'All of us in @aircadets are delighted today to be welcoming our Honorary Air Commandant, the Duchess of Cambridge.'
Carol, whose two children both attended the Air Cadets, was dressed in her full uniform and tweeted that she was 'feeling emotional' early this morning. Her emotions seemed to show as she was pictured wiping away a tear during today's festivities.
Mathematician Carol, believes that Kate will be a big help in attracting women in to what is often seen as a male-dominated sector.
She said: 'I think it is fantastic. Obviously Kate is possibly the most famous woman internationally - I would imagine.
Guest of honour: Her perfectly coiffed locks were offset by a black Lock and Co hat and she appeared in high spirits as she wore an Air Cadets Dacre brooch, known to be the highest award any female cadet can achieve
KATE'S AIR CADETS DACRE BROOCH: THE HIGHEST OF HONOURS
It was hard to miss Kate's spectacular brooch that could be seen below the collar of her Alexander McQueen coat that she wore during the 75th anniversary of the Air Cadets today.
However, some may be surprised to see it on the Duchess as The Dacre Brooch is usually only bestowed to those who are Air Cadets themselves and is said to be the highest honour that a female cadet can achieve.
The tradition of the brooch originated in 1979 when Mrs Elizabeth Dacre MBE TD JP presented to the Air Training Corps the dress sword of her late husband, Air Commodore G B Dacre CBE DSO DL RAF to be awarded to the 'ATC Cadet of the Year.'
As girls began to join the cadets in 1982, Mrs Dacre presented the Corps with a diamond brooch mounted on a sash, for presentation to the best female cadet.
From then on each year one male member of the cadets would be awarded with the sword and a female with the sash and brooch with the selection based on their all-round performance throughout the year.
However, the Duchess, having not been a member of the Cadets earned her brooch through other means. A spokesperson from Buckingham Palace says that the cadets presented the brooch to the Duchess as a gift following her appointment as Honorary Air Commandant of the organisation.
Source: Royal Air Force Air Cadets
The Duchess is pictured talking to Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty who said she was thrilled to have the Duchess at the special event
Raising the roof: Kate is seen singing from a hymn book during today's service in the RAF church St Clement Danes, London
One is amused: Kate appeared to be in good spirits after singing along side the cadets during the church service
Royal duty: Kate was appointed as Honorary Air Commandant in December taking over from the Duke of Edinburgh
Salute! Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty salutes the Duchess as she arrives outside St Clement Danes in London's Westminster
Elegant exit: Kate arrives to a warm welcome from well-wishers outside St Clement Danes church
Badge of honour: The Dacre brooch worn by the Duchess is usally awarded to a cadet, however the youngsters gifted it to her highness
'Her husband is a flier. Her brother-in-law is a flier. Her father-in-law is a flier and her mum used to work in an airline. There is a strong aviation link there for her. She obviously has a great appreciation of the military and enthusiasm for youth.
'We have 42,000 Air Cadets now and they say it gives them a structure and something they are very proud to belong to and to serve in.
'I think it is unusual for an organisation to be able to give everything that the Air Cadets can give to these young people.
'It really does impact young lives very positively and I am just thrilled Kate wants to be a part of it.'
Speaking ahead of her arrival Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty told Sky News: 'We're just thrilled that today is going to mark her first official engagement with the air cadets.
In high spirits: Carol Vorderman an honorary ambassador for the Air Cadets, tweeted her support for the royal. She said: 'All of us in @aircadets are delighted today to be welcoming our Honorary Air Commandant, the Duchess of Cambridge'
Feeling emotional? Carol appeared to wipe away a tear as she looked on proudly at today's celebrations
All smiles: Carol, whose two children both attended the Air Cadets was beaming with pride as she saluted the Duchess
McCafferty was pictured outside the church ready to greet the Duchess on her arrival. After the pair were seen enjoying friendly chatter they headed into the church for the anniversary service which included several hymns. Kate seemed in high spirits while she entered into the group singing.
'It's going to be a fantastic day and it's really going to put our organisation and its birthday on the map, internationally so we're delighted she's going to be here.'
The Duchess was appointed as the Air Commodore-in-Chief last year - her first royal role with an official link to the military.
Philip, who turns 95 this year, announced in 2010 that he planned to gradually stand down from a number of his patronages in order to allow younger members of the royal family to step up.
All eyes on Kate: The Duchess drew in everyone's attention in her elegant blue outfit
Look familiar: The thrifty Duchess is well known for recycling outfits and today was no exception, having first been pictured in the coat in 2014 during a visit to New Zealand where she lay a wreath in the town of Blenheim in memory of the war dead
However he still remains patron or president of 780 organisations and charities.
At the time of Kate's appointment a Buckingham Palace spokesman said it was a 'good time' for the Duchess to take on the patronage.
He said: 'As announced in 2010, the Duke of Edinburgh intends to stand down from a number of patronages with which he has been directly associated.
'The Air Cadets celebrate their 75 anniversary next year so it seems a good time to hand the mantle on. It's a great moment for the Duchess of Cambridge to get to know the organisation and take it on.'
All OK? The Duchess pulls an unusual expression as she chats with members of the RAF Air Cadets
Peekaboo! The Duchess leans out of her car showcasing her enviable make up and hair to onlookers
One has arrived: Well wishers had lined the street of the strand from early on Sunday morning hoping to get a glance of the Duchess
Hard working: Kate now represents an organisation of 42,000 air cadets aged 12-19 and 15,000 adult volunteers at more than 1,200 units across the UK and abroad
The spokesman added: 'There are no plans for the Duke to step down from a large number of organisations with which he is associated all at once. The reduction in the number of HRH's patronages will be gradual and in consultation with each organisation concerned.
'The Duchess of Cambridge has a close affiliation to the RAF following her husband's service with the Search and Rescue Force.'
Philip took up his appointment following the death of founding patron King George VI, and maintained his royal patronage for several decades, frequently visiting cadets and showing a keen interest in their activities.
Exciting future: The Duchess's visit will be the first in a series of RAF Air Cadets events planned throughout the year to celebrate the organisation's important work and history
Marching orders: The Duchess was greeted by flag bearers as she made her way into the church for the service
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme was readily incorporated into the air cadet syllabus and for many years the ATC has been the largest awarding body of the scheme, with hundreds of cadets and junior volunteers achieving the coveted gold award every year.
Kate now represents an organisation of 42,000 air cadets aged 12-19 and 15,000 adult volunteers at more than 1,200 units across the UK and abroad.
The RAF Air Cadets, which is made up of the Air Training Corps (ATC) and Combined Cadet Force (CCF), promotes a practical interest in aviation among both young men and women, providing training and encouraging the development of life skills including leadership and teamwork.
The ATC was first established in 1941 during the Second World War, with the aim to train young men in aviation skills before they joined the RAF. This year will mark 75 years since its formation, as well as the formation of a number of sections of the CCF.
Feeling nervous: Some of the young cadets looked a little worried as they anticipated the Duchess's arrival
Princess charming: Kate was all smiles at today's event as she wore her RAF brooch proudly
Hats off to you: As well as her coat thrifty Kate recycled her hat and was seen wearing it a year ago during a service in Bath
What a hoot: The Duchess seemed to be unable to contain her laughter as she was greeted by Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty
Pleased to meet you: The Duchess shakes the hand of a young member of the Air Cadets at today's event
Friendly face: The Duchess smiles as she meets another young member of the RAF Air Cadets
Welcome! The Duchess is met by a huge crowd of Air Cadets at this afternoon's reception at the Royal Courts of Justice
Get in line: Members of the RAF Air Cadets struggled to get a good view of the Duchess as she entered the building
The Duchess's visit will be the first in a series of RAF Air Cadets events planned throughout the year to celebrate the organisation's important work and history.
Although today is only the first engagement of the Duchess' year it looks like 2016 could be a busy one for Kate as she inherited a further title just last week. The royal is set to take on a prestigious tennis role as The Queen prepares to hand over two of her most high-profile patronages.
Kate Middleton will become patron of the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, which hosts the Wimbledon championships - after Her Majesty enjoyed 64 years in the role.
As a lifelong tennis fan, the 34-year-old royal is likely to be thrilled following the move - the latest that suggests the Queen is preparing to cut down her workload ahead of her 90th birthday this year.
According to the Sunday Times, the Duchess's patronage is likely to be officially announced during the tennis championships this summer.
Fit of the giggles: The Duchess seemed unable to control her laughter during this afternoon's reception following the service
Over and out: Kate makes her way to the reception of the 75th anniversary following the church service
Bling bling: The Duchess wore a pair of dazzling jeweled earrings that complimented her honorary brooch
Impressive! The Duchess appears to be admiring the many medals and badges adorning this gentleman's jacket
Entourage: The Duchess was accompanied by a large group as they make their way to the reception at the Royal Courts of Justice
Portrait of a princess: Kate showcases the detail of her Lock and Co hat from the back as she smiles a cheeky grin
Take my hand: Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty reaches her arm out to the Duchess as they make their way through Westminster
Windswept and interesting: Kate's famous curls suffered a little due to today's windy weather in London
Hello there: The royal gave a wave to onlookers who lined the streets hoping to catch a glimpse as she strode past
A souvenir? Kate appeared to have kept her hymn sheet from the service as a memento from her visit
Delightful Duchess: The elegant belted coat showed off her slim waist and she looked radiant as she smiled to well-wishers
Kate's Air Cadets Dacre brooch could be seen - known to be the highest award any female cadet can achieve
Getting to know you: Today Kate, pictured speaking with current cadets, will also learn more about the organisation's numerous programmes and activities as she is introduced as the new patron
Standing proud: Cadets line up in order to greet their new patron the Duchess of Cambridge
Good to see you: The Duchess waved enthusiastically to her fans who had braved the winds to come and greet her
No comments:
Post a Comment