The Cambridges Pay Tribute to Prince Philip with Air Cadets Visit

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge honoured the late Duke of Edinburgh by visiting RAF Air Cadets' 282 Squadron in East London to meet young people supported by the Duke of Edinburgh Award.

It marks the couple's first public engagement since Prince Philip passed. The Duke and Duchess' last official appearance saw them return to Westminster Abbey in late March to pay tribute to those on the front line of the vaccination effort. From there, they spent the Easter break at their country home Anmer Hall before returning to London ahead of Prince Philip's funeral. It is incredibly fitting that their first engagement since then is in honour of a key area of the Duke's work.

There's additional significance for the family today, as Her Majesty is marking her 95th birthday. The Queen used the opportunity to share her "appreciation" for the "many good wishes" she's received. The statement continued: "While as a family we are in a period of great sadness, it has been a comfort to us all to see and to hear the tributes paid to my husband, from those within the United Kingdom, the Commonwealth and around the world." It's understood family members living close by will call in on the Monarch whilst other members will phone and chat via Zoom.

Today's engagement highlighted a patronage passed from the Duke of Edinburgh to his granddaughter-in-law. In December 2015, the Duchess became Honorary Air Commandant of the RAF Air Cadets, succeeding the Duke who served as Air Commodore-in-Chief for 63 years.

You may remember this event took place directly after the Queen's 2015 pre-Christmas luncheon at Buckingham Palace. The choice was considered a thoughtful one, as Kate's grandfather Peter Middleton was an RAF Pilot. Coincidentally, Peter crossed paths with the Duke during a 1962 tour of South America.

During the visit, the Cambridges spoke to cadets about leadership tasks they are undertaking and field exercises.

More from the Mail:

'The couple watched a team building and leadership exercise, as the cadets moved items including a fire extinguisher and a teddy bear with ropes. 'Whose teddy bear is that?' He laughed.

He added: 'What did your friends think when you joined up? Do you guys see a career in the forces? Did you think of that when you joined cadets?' When one young boy told him they hadn't originally, but were now keen to do so, he remarked: 'Interesting. Changes your mindset.'

Kate added: Do you enjoy getting the leadership skills? Do you think you would have got these leadership skills outside of cadets. Gives you a bit of a head start, doesn't it?' said William. 'There's a satisfaction there.

'Do your friends and peers see the value the cadets offer? The hardest thing is joining up. You don't know what to expect. I bet you have changed as people, I bet you have grown a lot.'  

They also spent time with cadets who are currently working to achieve a Duke of Edinburgh Award. Annually, the Air Cadets receive up to 3,000 awards. From small beginnings in 1956, the 'D of E', as it is commonly known, was launched. It was at first "for boys" aged 15 to 18. In the beginning it was administered and largely designed by John Hunt, who had led the first successful climb of Everest in 1953, and had retired from the army to run the Duke of Edinburgh Award. It was designed to attract boys who had not been interested in joining one of the main British youth movements, such as the Scout Association. It was not necessary to 'join' any organisation or wear a uniform to participate. In the first 12 months, 7,000 boys had enrolled for the scheme. The first girls received their Gold Awards on 3 November 1959 at Buckingham Palace. From January 1965, the Gold Award for boys and girls was made more similar. The first Gold Awards were achieved in 1958, and the charity was established in 1959. It is an integral part of the Duke's legacy - one I understand we'll see Prince Edward (who will reportedly become the Duke of Edinburgh when Charles is King) will work on in particular to carry the efforts forward.

Last week, we chatted about the award touching the lives of people all over the UK and much further afield. Kate is the proud holder of a Gold DoE award, having achieved it during her time at Marlborough College. "I can remember trying to cook bacon in the soaking wet. Everything was just sopping and I was trying and trying to cook bacon. I remember saying you know what, I think we're just going to have plain sandwiches. Bread, basic bread and butter." Kate's challenge reportedly involved a hike, with less than pleasant weather conditions.

More from Kensington Palace:

'Established in 1941, the Air Cadets is a UK-wide cadet force with more than 32,000 members aged between 12 and 19 years old. Sponsored by the Royal Air Force, the Air Cadets provides 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.

282 (East Ham) Squadron supports over 60 cadets to gain skills and qualifications across a variety of different disciplines from aviation, cyber and radio communications to adventure training, music, First Aid and air experience flying, gliding and a space syllabus. The squadron has also taken part in a number of international trips to undertake projects such as refurbishing schools, rainforest conservation and teaching English classes.

Their Royal Highnesses also heard more about the Air Cadets’ Pre-Duke of Edinburgh’s Award ‘Blue Badge’ scheme which is aimed at cadets aged 12-14 years old, and allows them to begin to develop their skills and engage in activities before they are of age to take part in the Bronze, Silver and Gold levels.'

The Duchess tried her hand at an aerial simulator.

Before the royal couple left, the Squadron took part in a Three Cheers Salute in honour of Prince Philip.

A video from the visit.

The Duchess wore her black Dolce & Gabbana coat - first seen on Remembrance Sunday 2017.

The black wool and silk-blend double breasted button-down coat features a collarless design, round neckline, buttonhole on the front, front flap pockets, long sleeves, pleated waist, mid-calf length and straight hem.

A closer look at the piece today.

Kate carried her black suede Mulberry Bayswater clutch.

Kate wore her Tod's block-heel suede pumps. The trusty pair have been a staple in the Duchess' wardrobe for several years.

And accessorised with the Queen's diamond and pearl earrings, which she has worn on a number of occasions.

The Duchess also wore a black face mask.

For those who have embarked on Duke of Edinburgh award journeys, you can share your memories here.