The Peterborough Evening Telegraph
Kate’s air smiles
It was a winning visit to RAF Wittering for the Duchess of Cambridge, who took part in a series of games with young cadets, bringing smiles to all who met her.
She took part in a game called Riverbank - which involved hopping back and forth over a rope on the command of outreach manager Flight Lieutenant Bruce Petitt - along with about 14 cadets, the youngest just 12. Those that hopped forward or backward when they had not been told to were ‘out’ and the Duchess even won one of the games - much to her delight! But later she stumbled forward when she had clearly not meant to and laughed as it was ‘declared’ she was out.
The games out on the base drew a huge crowd and among them were Janet Thorp and Suzanne Blackman who had stopped work in their office opposite the games area to see the Duchess and grab a ‘selfie’ with the royal visitor in the background of the shot.
Janet said: “I think she is absolutely lovely - we couldn’t miss the chance to see her.”
And Suzanne added: “You would never think she’s royalty the way she’s playing with the children. She looks so nice and kind and I can’t believe how slim she is.”
Heading back indoors, the Duchess had a quick break before she moved on to the weapons room in her whistlestop tour of the cadets’ activities.
There, eight cadets were dismantling unarmed guns while the Duchess watched. She took time to speak to each of the four pairs, asking about their ambitions and whether they enjoyed the course. She listened intently as Flt Lieutenant Debra Evans explained how the three-day weaponry course works.
Among those who got to meet her were Oliver Harvey, 18, and 15-year-old Harvey Russell.
Oliver said: “It was good fun and she was so lovely. She showed quite an interest in what we wanted to do in our careers.”
Harvey added: “I’ve always wanted to join the RAF and I hope this will be a good stepping stone. She was really enthusiastic about that.”
Her final stop on the visit was to sign ‘Catherine’ in the visitors book and have an official photograph taken with 62 cadets and their instructors. RAF Wittering’s official photographer had set up the camera ready and was checking it over as she awaited the Duchess’ arrival - but when it came time to take the photo, the flash failed and the station commander Group Captain Richard Pratley joked: “Defence cuts” - and laughter rang out from the cadets young and old. After the official photograph was finally captured, the Duchess was presented with a limited edition RAF Air Cadet 75th anniversary print by Air Commodore McCafferty.
She bid farewell to those who had greeted her, telling the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland Dr Laurence Howard that it had a “really good day” and that she had enjoyed seeing a range of what the cadets do. Her car whisked her away at 1.30pm prompt.
Afterwards, Dr Howard said: “It was a wonderful opportunity for the young people here at the base to meet her and you could almost see a huge sense of fun. Those young people will remember today forever.
“She spoke personally to me about my role and my interest in the cadet force and I suggested she would be very welcome in Rutland at some stage. She said she would love to, so we must find something for her to come and visit.”
Air Commodore McCafferty, who had met the Duchess twice before, said: “It was a delight to welcome the Duchess to RAF Wittering and to see her joining in with the activities with our young cadets and adult volunteers.
“Her personal support of the RAF Air Cadets is very much appreciated. She is so easy going and personable. She puts everyone at ease so the cadets didn’t feel overawed and she took the time to speak to so many people. It has been such a fantastic visit and I’m so pleased with how it’s gone.”
And Group Captain Pratley added: “It has been an honour to welcome HRH The Duchess of Cambridge to RAF Wittering to see some of the facilities we offer to cadets to help inspire the next generation.”
It is the third occassion the Duchess has met with cadets since HRH The Duke of Edinburgh handed patronage of the national youth organisation over to her. Her prior engagements involving air cadets have included the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, in July 2016, and the launch of the RAF Air Cadet 75th anniversary celebrations in London in February 2016.
Tuesday’s visit however marked the first time she had seen what the cadets get up to.