Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Cyprus

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge undertook two engagements in support of deployed military personnel and their families who will be apart over the festive period in London and Cyprus on December 4th and 5th. They also attended the annual Diplomatic Reception at Buckingham Palace on the evening of the 4th.

Embed from Getty ImagesEmbed from Getty Images

On December 4th, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge hosted a Christmas Party at Kensington Palace for the families and children of deployed personnel from RAF Coningsby and RAF Marham serving in Cyprus, with the Royal British Legion in recognition of the unique contribution and sacrifices Serving personnel and their families make year round. The event featured a number of stalls for children, as well as a photo booth and a post box so that guests can take pictures and send messages to their loved ones in Cyprus. The Duchess gave a speech:

We should never forget our military families and all the service you do for us all. The absence of people you love must be especially hard at this time of year. William and I, however, hope that today shows, in some small way, how much you are all valued. We are really looking forward to flying to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus tomorrow and meeting some of the mums and dads of the little ones we have met today. I am sure they will be thrilled with all your cards and gifts, so thank you for posting them today. I can’t imagine how it feels when your loved ones are away on active service over Christmas or at those special family moments. It’s really lovely to see you all here. Not only are we grateful for you coming here to join our party, but also for the sacrifices you make on a daily basis on behalf of the nation. If it’s not too early…Merry Christmas to you all!”

Embed from Getty ImagesEmbed from Getty ImagesEmbed from Getty Images

On December 5th, the Duke and Duchess flew to RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus to meet with Serving personnel, families living on the base, wider station personnel and members of the local community. On arrival, they met deployed personnel from 11 and 31 Squadrons and from the lead infantry company of 2 Mercians. They then visited and officially opened the Oasis Centre, used by Serving personnel on the base as a recreation area when they are not on shift. Before unveiling a plaque, the Duke and Duchess visited the cinema room, the video room where personnel make private calls to their family and friends back home, and the café area. They then met station personnel, their families and representatives from British Forces at the Sergeant’s Mess, doing a short walkabout before joining a number of families at a Christmas reception. Before departing, the Duke and Duchess handed over presents to personnel from 11 Squadron from families they met the previous day.

5

One thought on “Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Cyprus

  1. I really love the way that both the Duke and Duchess make it a point to thank the men and women in uniform. We do owe them a huge debt of gratitude. The Duchess looked wonderful. She managed to look casual and elegant at the same time- no doubt thanks to forsaking the skinny jeans and wearing proper trousers instead. That gorgeous red skirt is probably going to make my Christmas list this year. I hope to find a version somewhere at a price I can afford! 🙂

Leave a Reply