While many royal watchers were hoping for a Wimbledon visit this coming Friday by the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, they will have to settle for an appearance by the couple at the Royal International Air Tattoo.
The Air Tattoo is the largest military air show in the world. Last year the show featured 19 different nations showing off 247 aircrafts.
The Duke and Duchess will take the trip to RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire this Friday 8 July for the visit of which both have ties with the RAF. Prince William served at RAF Valley in Anglesey, Wales for over three years on the Search and Rescue Force. The Duchess of Cambridge was made an Honorary Air Commandant of the Air Cadets last year when she took the position over from Prince Philip.
Upon arrival, the Duke and Duchess will be met by Air Marshall Sir Kevin Leeson, Chairman of the RAF Charitable Trust, and Air Chief Marshall Andrew Pulford, Chief of the Air Staff, RAF before the air show.
They will also have the chance to look at a Squirrel helicopter, the same aircraft that Prince William trained with in 2009 at RAF Shawbury.
Over 800 Air Cadets will be in attendance, some of which William and Kate will take the time to speak with. The Air Tattoo is strongly linked to the Air Cadets and will host official celebrations in honour of the cadets 75th anniversary.
The Royal International Air Tattoo will be supporting the RAF Charitable Trust, which provides support for the RAF and grow young people’s interest in aviation. This years theme for the Air Tattoo is ‘The Next Generation: Inspiring Innovation.’
The Duke and Duchess will stay to watch some of the air displays and to take part in a private lunch.
The next best guess for an appearance by William and Kate at Wimbledon would be Sunday, especially if Murray and Federer make it to the finals.
