Duchess Helps Air Cadets Celebrate Anniversary

The Duchess of Cambridge has carried out her first engagement as Honorary Air Commandant of the Air Cadets, by helping the organisation mark its 75th anniversary.

Kate took on the role in December, assuming the post from the Duke of Edinburgh, who has been involved with the air cadets for over 60 years.

The Duchess now represents 42,000 air cadets aged from 12 to 19, and 15,000 adult volunteers at more than 1,200 units across the UK and overseas.

Kate joined the congregation at the RAF church of St Clement Danes in central London for a service to mark the anniversary.

Former Countdown presenter Carol Vorderman, who holds a private pilot's licence and is an ambassador for the air cadets, was also there.

Ms Vorderman, whose two children are air cadets, told Sky News it is the "most wonderful" organisation.

She said: "They just do fantastic work.

"Not only do they get involved in aviation and learn about aviation and fly and do all of that, there's a tremendous sense of belonging.

"They do an awful lot for the community where they live and they’re just so happy about it."

Ms Vorderman said later that the Duchess will be a big help in attracting women 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.

"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."

Air cadets got their chance to meet the Duchess at a reception at the Royal Courts of Justice after the service.

Kate had the opportunity to learn more about their programmes and activities by talking with cadets, veterans and adult volunteers.

The RAF Air Cadets are made up of both the Air Training Corps (ATC) and the Combined Cadet Force (RAF).

The ATC was set up in 1941 during the Second World War, with the aim of training young men in aviation skills before they joined the RAF.