William and Kate land in Cyprus

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrived today in Cyprus for a whirlwind visit to bring festive cheer to RAF personnel who will be away from their families this Christmas.

William and Kate, both 36, touched down at RAF Akrotiri on the government's Voyager aircraft, which is used by the Royal Family and ministers, after making the five-hour flight from the UK.

Kate looked elegantly casual in wide-legged trousers, a white silk shirt and a khaki jacket, with her hair half swept off her face. The couple's special 'Royal Mail' flight was loaded with gifts and cards for staff from their families.

Many had been given to them yesterday at a party they threw at Kensington Palace for the wives, husbands, children and parents of men and women from RAF Coningsby and RAF Marham, who will be spending Christmas away from home.

RAF Akrotiri is the home of the Cyprus Operations Support Unit which provides joint support to British Forces Cyprus and operations in the region to protect the UK's strategic interests.

Although they are visiting an RAF base in William's role as Honorary Air Commandant of RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, the couple's two days of engagements have been designed as a way of recognising all the 7,500 military personnel currently serving overseas or away from home.

An aide said the prince had been very keen to do something for the RAF community for some time.

Yesterday he and Kate enjoyed a fake snowball fight at the party in the palace's temporary Orangery cafe, played games and helped the the children make Christmas cards and treats. 





MailOnline