The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have arrived at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus for a pre-Christmas visit this afternoon
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge today brought some festive cheer to the Royal Air Force personnel who will be stationed in Cyprus over the Christmas period by delivering presents from their families.
Prince William and Kate arrived at RAF Akrotiri this afternoon on a special 'Royal Mail' flight loaded with gifts and cards from relatives, as they praised the men and women for doing their work 'without fanfare'.
Many of the presents had been given to the royal couple yesterday at a party they threw at Kensington Palace in London for the wives, husbands, children and parents of staff from RAF Coningsby and RAF Marham, who will be spending Christmas away from home.
They touched down at RAF Akrotiri on the government's Voyager aircraft, which is used by the Royal Family and ministers, after making the five-hour flight from the UK.
Kate looked elegantly casual as she stepped off the plane in wide-legged trousers, a white silk shirt and a khaki jacket, with her hair half swept off her face.
And William said: 'All of this work is done without fanfare. You don't seek praise for your contribution. It's not about credit or recognition – for you, it's just about service. But as we approach Christmas, Catherine and I feel strongly that praise for your work and recognition of your sacrifices is exactly what is due to you all.
'From my time in uniform, we both know a bit of what it feels like to balance your work commitments with your family life. You all put duty first. And so do your families, some of whom we had the chance to meet yesterday at a party at Kensington Palace.
'We know this isn't easy for you or for your wives, husbands, children, and friends back in the UK. On behalf of everyone back home, we would like to say thank you. Thank you for your commitment and thank you for your sacrifices. We are in your debt and Catherine and I feel very lucky to be able to spend time with you today.'
The Duke of Cambridge addresses members of 31 Squadran and other operational personnel in a hangar at RAF Akrotiri today
The couple had a short private briefing before going to a hangar to meet with some of the servicemen and women on the base
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus today to meet military personnel serving overseas
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive to attend a Christmas party for the families of RAF Akrotiri service personnel
'A very merry Christmas to you all,' said William, 'although it feels too early to say it...but we are not going to see you'
Kate and William speak with Army officials today at the Akrotiri Royal Air Force base, near the south coastal city of Limassol
Copy Kate in a khaki blazer by Smythe
Only last night the Duchess of Cambridge wowed in a stunning Jenny Packham gown at Buckingham Palace, but it was back to normal attire today.
For a visit to Cyprus, Kate wore a pair of flattering black wide-leg trousers which she teamed with a green blazer by one of her go-to labels, Smythe. She then finished off with a simple white top, a buckled belt and an L.K. Bennett bag in a matching hue.
Kate lived up to her reputation for recycling her favourite wardrobe pieces, as we first spotted her wearing this blazer back in 2016. It’s a really timeless piece so we’re not surprised it’s become one of her staples! The tailored fit and military style buttons give it a luxe look, whilst the green colour makes a refreshing change from traditional black suit blazers.
If you’re a fan, the good news is you can click (right) to shop a darker green version. Team it with black trousers a la Kate, or skinny jeans for a smart/casual balance.
For even more options, head to the carousel where we’ve hand-picked the best of the rest. We’re sure the Duchess would approve of the smart styles by Only, Reiss, La Redoute and L’Agence.
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On arriving at the base the couple had a short private briefing before going to a hangar to meet with some of the servicemen and women on the base.
They started with a group of RAF support personnel including Tina Hays, from RAF Marham, who has a son aged 12.
She told Kate: 'I've been in the military for 15 years and have had several overseas deployments. But I find that the older they get, the worse it is. It's very difficult to be away at Christmas but we try to work it around holidays and things like that. '
She said afterwards that the couple 'really sympathised' with how difficult it was.
Corporal Karl Noakes, 33, also from RAF Marham, said he had been sent pictures of his daughter Alysia, two, at yesterday's Christmas party at the palace.
He said: 'It's a tough one. I've been away lots of times and it's never easy but it's very different now I am a dad. My little girl is now asking for me when we speak and even playing her mother off against me when he is playing up.
William's words of praise came as he and Kate visited Cyprus for a whirlwind tour of a military base to meet RAF personnel
Kate and William paid tribute to the commitment and sacrifices of Britain's personnel serving overseas this Christmas
After meeting crew from RAF Akrotiri and other forces in a hangar, William praised the efforts of Britain's Armed Forces
The duke, a former RAF Search and Rescue helicopter pilot, said the military 'don't seek praise for your contribution'
William said the couple feel 'strongly that praise for your work and recognition of your sacrifices is exactly what is due'
The couple came bearing Christmas gifts for RAF personnel from 11 Squadron, a Typhoon fighter unit based at RAF Coningsby
The Duke of Cambridge said 'thank you' on behalf of the nation to Britain's Armed Forces serving overseas this Christmas
The duke and duchess of laugh as they meet members of 31 Squadron and other operational personnel in a hangar today
'It's difficult all round. I'm complete lost in admiration for what my wife, Nicole, does when I'm not they, especially work Christmas coming up. '
Corporal Noakes, who won't return to his family until February, praised the duke and duchess for organising yesterday's party, saying: 'It meant so much to everyone. My daughter had so much fun but was shattered last night. I think they really understand what it is like for all of us.'
William and Kate chatted happily about the party. 'There was a lot of chocolates and marshmallow consumed yesterday. The kids were running wild!' the prince said.
'It was lovely to see them having so much fun,' Kate added.
'A very merry Christmas to you all,' said William, 'although it feels too early to say it...but we are not going to see you. So put it on ice until the day!'
Scott Stewart, 33, from RAF Spadeadam in Cumbria spoke to William and Kate as they visited an aircraft hanger on the base shortly after arriving.
The dad of three told the royals how he was looking forward to seeing his children, aged six, three and just 26 weeks when he returns home in two weeks.
Scott, a Communications specialist with No. 903 Expeditionary Air Wing, said: “Having William and Kate here is a massive boost for everyone here.
“As a former serviceman himself he spoke to us about how he understands it’s hard being away from our families.
“Kate said how she thought time means so much especially in the early years so it great to have them recognise the sacrifices that we are all making here.
“I’m lucky enough to be going home for Christmas but many people won’t be.
“Everyone misses their families and friends but we’re all getting on with the job in hand and luckily I can FaceTime my children before they go to school and before bedtime and it’s the little things like that that are really important for keeping focussed out here.”
No. 903 Expeditionary Air Wing is an Expeditionary Air Wing of the Royal Air Force It is currently based at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus and is tasked with conducting operations against the Islamic State terror organisation in Iraq and Syria.
Another soldier from 2nd Battalion The Mercian Regiment called Jesse (wouldn’t give surname) said it was “important” the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge took the time to travel to the base.
He said: “We’ve just come back from three months in Afghanistan where we were stationed in Kabul and now we are waiting to go home again in two weeks.
“To meet the future King of England is a huge deal for a lot of people here and it’s really appreciated.
“William said everyone back home appreciates what we do and as a former serviceman himself you get the feeling he really understands.”
Around 450 soldiers and 150 family members made the move to the Mediterranean from their base in Chester, and will stay in Cyprus for another year of a two year posting.
William said the couple 'both know a bit of what it feels like to balance your work commitments with your family life'
William told the gathered service personnel: 'It's not about credit or recognition - for you, it's just about service'
A line of military dignitaries were waiting to greet the duke and duchess when they arrived at the base on the RAF Voyager jet
Thousands of military personnel will be separated from their families during the festive period
William and Kate have flown to RAF Akrotiri on the Mediterranean island to honour the commitment of service personnel
Service personnel have been sent on 30 operations in 35 countries across the globe from Somalia and South Sudan
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive in Cyprus for a whirlwind visit to personally thank UK forces for their sacrifices
William told the personnel: 'We are in your debt and Catherine and I feel very lucky to be able to spend time with you today'
During the festive period there will be 11,000 sailors, soldiers, airmen and marines deployed on operations
It comes a day after the Cambridges staged a festive party in the grounds of Kensington Palace
RAF Akrotiri is the home of the Cyprus Operations Support Unit which provides joint support to British Forces Cyprus and operations in the region to protect the UK's strategic interests.
Although they are visiting an RAF base in William's role as Honorary Air Commandant of RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, the couple's two days of engagements have been designed as a way of recognising all the 7,500 military personnel currently serving overseas or away from home.
An aide said the prince had been very keen to do something for the RAF community for some time.
Yesterday he and Kate enjoyed a fake snowball fight at the party in the palace's temporary Orangery cafe, played games and helped the the children make Christmas cards and treats.
The event was supported by The Royal British Legion in recognition of the sacrifices serving personnel and their families make year round, and especially when they are separated during the festive period.
The palace's orangery café had been turned into a winter wonderland, with a fake snow machine, decorations including giant crackers and even a real life Father Christmas.
There was also a photo booth and a post box so that guests could take pictures and send messages to their loved ones in Cyprus.
The duke said about the military's efforts: 'All of this work is done without fanfare. You don't seek praise for your contribution'
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived today in Cyprus for a whirlwind visit to bring festive cheer to RAF personnel
A royal aide said Prince William had been very keen to do something for the RAF community for some time
Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge laugh as they meet servicemen and women at RAF Akrotiri today
Prince William and Kate smile as they arrive for their official visit to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus this afternoon
They are visiting an RAF base in William's role as Honorary Air Commandant of RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire
The duchess has spoken in recent days about life as a service wife with a husband posted abroad
Kate looked elegantly casual in wide-legged trousers, a white silk shirt and a khaki jacket, with her hair half swept off her face
Kate has recalled being left at home when William was serving as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot
William and Kate touched down at RAF Akrotiri on the government's Voyager aircraft, which is used by the Royal Family
Among the families there were Barrie and Ann Macdonald from Manchester who are looking after their grandson Harry, five, in Coningsby while his mum, Claire - their daughter - and dad Paul, both wing commanders, are away in Afghanistan and Cyprus respectively.
Kate paid tribute to the couple for moving in to look after Harry, whose father will not be home until January and mother until February. 'So you are looking after Harry, are you? It's amazing that families pull together like this,' she said.
In a speech the duchess also spoke about life as a service wife with a husband posted abroad.
She recalled being left at home when William was serving as an RAF search and rescue helicopter pilot, not least when he spent six weeks in the Falklands in February and March 2012.
She said: 'William and I just wanted to pass on our huge gratitude to all of you here today. Not only are we grateful for you coming here to join our party, but also for the sacrifices you make on a daily basis on behalf of the nation.'
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at Kensington Palace yesterday to host a Christmas party for families and children of deployed personnel from RAF Coningsby and RAF Marham serving in Cyprus
The Duke of Cambridge talks with five-year-old Harry O'Grady at Kensington Palace yesterday, where he hosted a party
'As someone whose husband has served, I know how hard it feels when a loved one leaves home to do the job they've trained for. When William served in the Falklands or went search and rescue, I remember how it felt.
'But I can't imagine how it feels when your loved ones are away on active service over Christmas or at those special family moments. 'The absence of people you love must be especially hard at this time of year.
'William and I, however, hope that today shows, in some small way, how much you are all valued. 'We should never forget our military families and all the service you do for us all.'
William is Honorary Air Commandant of RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, which is home to Typhoon squadrons which deploy to Cyprus and fly operations in support of Op Shader, the UK's contribution to the ongoing campaign against Islamic State.
They work alongside 31 Squadron, a Tornado GR4 unit based at RAF Marham in Norfolk, which is also involved with the campaign.
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News Pictures William and Kate land in Cyprus as they make whirlwind visit to RAF base
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