Kate takes to the virtual skies at RAF Wittering

TheDuchessofCambridge swooped in to make a flying visit to RAF Wittering - and took to the ‘virtual skies’ with help from cadets.

She was visiting in her capacity as the Honorary Air Commandant of the RAF Air Cadets - a role she has held since December 2015 - and she met a number of the 150 young air cadets who were on a Skills Development Camp for half-term week this week. The aim was for her to see a range of activities during the camps which are a key part of the RAF Air Cadet experience.

There had been specu- lation beforehand that she might be wearing red in a nod to Valentine’s Day and she didn’t disappoint when she exited the white car onto the airfield. She was wearing a red double breasted coat, a black polo neck jumper beneath and black jeans with black knee-high boots and her long brown locks initially tied back in a loose ponytail - with natural make-up, pearl earrings and her sparkly sapphire engagement ring clear to see.

It was the Lord Lieutenant of Cambridgeshire Sir Hugh Duberly and the Lord Lieutenant of Rutland Dr Laurence Howard, who had the honour of greeting her first and she could be heard politely saying: “It’s really nice to meet you” to each. She was also introduced to Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty, Commandant of the Air Cadet Organisation, and the station commander Group Captain Richard Pratley - before being led to her first experience by Flight Lieutenant Neil Moxon, Officer Commanding 5 Air Experience Flight - the chance to see a Grob trainer aircraft up close.

Greeting her were cadets Erin Hope, Joshua Wait and Emily Empringham - all from the 1406 (Spalding) Squadron - and Erin told the gathered media beforehand that she was “definitely nervous” to meet the high-profile Royal. But all went smoothly and the Duchess happily climbed into the small aircraft, which is routinely used for firsttime flyers. But The Duchess kept her feet firmly on the ground this time and was happy to be shown the controls of the aircraft by Cadet Sergeant Jordan Beralaso, a qualified aerospace instructor from Spalding.

Afterwards, he said the visit had passed by in a blur, but admitted to feeling nervous.

“It’s one of those things that I just can’t remember the whole thing,” he laughed. “I only found out a few days ago which was long enough to start to panic, but not long enough to get into a real state. She was so nice though and she seemed very relaxed. We spoke a little bit about William and the difference between the Grob and the helicopter. She seemed very interested in the Grob and the controls.

“It was definitely a moment of fame and something to remember, or at least try to! Hopefully, it will help to raise the profile of the cadets which can only be a good thing. But it went by so quickly,” Jordan said.

The Duchess’ next stop was taking the controls of a flight simulator - a little back to front as air cadets would normally train on the simulator before taking to the air. It was thankfully indoors and the Duchess, who had released her locks from the ponytail, remarked with some relief as she stepped inside: “It’s definitely warmer in here.”

Flight Lieutenant Michael Salter, an adult volunteer, was on hand to explain the purpose of the flight simulator, which simulates a journey over the skies surrounding RAF Wittering - including Rutland Water nearby - in a Valiant motorglider aircraft.

Beforehand, he said: “It’s my job to teach people on the flight simulator and today is no different to that. I’m told she hasn’t done it before but I’m sure she will be a natural. I’d be surprised if she hadn’t asked her husband for a few tips as every pilot will have trained on something similar.”

Flt Lt Salter helped the Duchess get a handle on the steering column before she was left to “fly” the plane, with lots of giggles ensuing. As she finished her ‘flight’, she told Flt Lt Salter: “It was very good, but it’s quite an unusual feeling.”

Flight Sergeant Jordan Avery, who had already com- pleted the flight simulator training, was in the seat having a go when the Duchess arrived and he was greeted with: “You’re one of the experienced ones! It’s my first go, be kind.”

Afterwards, Jordan, 18, who lives in Spalding, said: “It was definitely not something you do every day and I don’t get nervous about many things but I was a little bit nervous. But she did really well on the sim. It was a pretty good first go.”