The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge returned to royal duties with a visit to the 282 (East Ham) Squadron Air Cadets to pay tribute to Prince Philip who’d been Air Commodore-in-Chief of the Air Cadets for 63 years.
The 282 Squadron consists of more than 60 members who are learning skills and gaining qualifications in aviation, cyber and radio communications, adventure training, music, First Aid, air experience flying, gliding and space courses. As well, the Cadets have also undertaken international trips to refurbish schools, teach English classes, and participate in rainforest conservation efforts.
During their visit, William and Kate watched as the Cadets gave three cheers in tribute to the late Duke of Edinburgh.
They then met with the Cadets to hear more about the programmes they’re partaking in for training, and to speak with those who are doing their Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Kate also tried her hand at a Grob Tutor flight simulator to test out some of the equipment the Cadets use.
“It was a real morale boost…It was interesting to see the duchess get in the simulator instead of him. She did very well. He was goading her to say, ‘Well it’s not as easy as it seems,’” said Group Captain Al Lewis of the royals.
Finally, William and Kate met with serving RAF Officers who were once Air Cadets to hear about how the programme—and The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award—provided essential skills that transferred over into their careers.
The 282 Squadron posted on its Twitter account, “It was a huge honour today to welcome TRH The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge to our squadron, for our first week back to cadet activities. The cadets gave 3 cheers as a tribute to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.”
The Air Cadets have more than 32,000 members who are sponsored by the Royal Air Force to help provide “hands-on experience that challenge and develop skills amongst young people to help them succeed, encourage the spirit of adventure and develop qualities of leadership and good citizenship.”
Prince Philip passed his patronage of the Air Cadets to Kate in December 2015. She currently holds the title of Honorary Air Commandant.
