Her Royal Highness: Kate steps out in pale blue Alexander McQueen coat as she joins Carol Vorderman to mark the 75th anniversary of the RAF Air Cadets
- The Duchess is attending a service at RAF church St Clement Danes, London, followed by a reception
- Kate was appointed as Honorary Air Commandant in December taking over from the Duke of Edinburgh
- The Duchess wore a pale blue custom-made Alexander McQueen coat and Air Cadets Dacre brooch
- For more on the latest news about The Duchess visit www.dailymail.co.uk/kate
She may have been keeping a relatively low profile of late but the Duchess of Cambridge made a colourful return today as she attended her first official engagement of the year.
The royal, 34, was elegant in a blue custom-made Alexander McQueen coat as she joined the Air Cadets to mark their 75th anniversary, as Honorary Air Commandant of the organisation.
Her perfectly coiffed locks were offset by a black Lock and Co hat and she wore an Air Cadets Dacre brooch, known to be the highest award any female cadet can achieve.
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Royal welcome: The Duchess of Cambridge, Honorary Air Commandant, joined members of the RAF Air Cadets to mark their 75th anniversary for her first official engagement of the year
The thrifty Duchess is well known for recycling outfits and today was no exception, having first been pictured in the coat in 2014 during a visit to New Zealand where she lay a wreath in the town of Blenheim in memory of the war dead.
Today was a lighter occasion as hundreds of well-wishers lined London's Strand as she greeted members of the Air Cadets, marking her first engagement for them since her appointment last year.
The Duke of Edinburgh passed his patronage of the RAF Air Cadets on to the Duchess in December 2015, after 63 years serving as Air Commodore-in-Chief.
Kate is attending a service at RAF church St Clement Danes, London, and then will proceed to a reception held nearby at the Royal Courts of Justice, giving Cadets the opportunity to introduce their new patron.
There the Duchess will also learn more about their numerous programmes and activities by meeting a selection of current cadets, veterans and adult volunteers.
Marking the occasion: Kate is attending a service at RAF church St Clement Danes, London, and then will proceed to a reception held nearby at the Royal Courts of Justice, giving Cadets the opportunity to introduce their new Patron
Carol Vorderman, an honorary ambassador for the Air Cadets, tweeted her support for the royal. She said: 'All of us in @aircadets are delighted today to be welcoming our Honorary Air Commandant, the Duchess of Cambridge.'
Carol, whose two children both attended the Air Cadets, was dressed in her full uniform and tweeted that she was 'feeling emotional' early this morning. Her emotions seemed to show as she was pictured wiping away a tear during today's festivities.
Speaking ahead of her arrival Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty told Sky News: 'We're just thrilled that today is going to mark her first official engagement with the air cadets.
Guest of honour: Her perfectly coiffed locks were offset by a black Lock and Co hat and she appeared in high spirits as she wore an Air Cadets Dacre brooch, known to be the highest award any female cadet can achieve
The Duchess is pictured talking to Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty who said she was thrilled to have the Duchess at the special event
Raising the roof: Kate is seen singing from a hymn book during today's service in the RAF church St Clement Danes, London
One is amused: Kate appeared to be in good spirits after singing along side the cadets during the church service
Royal duty: Kate was appointed as Honorary Air Commandant in December taking over from the Duke of Edinburgh
Salute! Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty salutes the Duchess as she arrives outside St Clement Danes in London's Westminster
Elegant exit: Kate arrives to a warm welcome from well-wishers outside St Clement Danes church
Blue breeze: The wind appeared to be causing havoc with Kate's tresses outside the church this morning
'It's going to be a fantastic day and it's really going to put our organisation and its birthday on the map, internationally so we're delighted she's going to be here.'
The Duchess was appointed as the Air Commodore-in-Chief last year - her first royal role with an official link to the military.
Philip, who turns 95 this year, announced in 2010 that he planned to gradually stand down from a number of his patronages in order to allow younger members of the royal family to step up.
In high spirits: Carol Vorderman an honorary ambassador for the Air Cadets, tweeted her support for the royal. She said: 'All of us in @aircadets are delighted today to be welcoming our Honorary Air Commandant, the Duchess of Cambridge'
Feeling emotional? Carol appeared to wipe away a tear as she looked on proudly at today's celebrations
All smiles: Carol, whose two children both attended the Air Cadets was beaming with pride as she saluted the Duchess
However he still remains patron or president of 780 organisations and charities.
At the time of Kate's appointment a Buckingham Palace spokesman said it was a 'good time' for the Duchess to take on the patronage.
He said: 'As announced in 2010, the Duke of Edinburgh intends to stand down from a number of patronages with which he has been directly associated.
'The Air Cadets celebrate their 75 anniversary next year so it seems a good time to hand the mantle on. It's a great moment for the Duchess of Cambridge to get to know the organisation and take it on.'
All eyes on Kate: The Duchess drew in everyone's attention in her elegant blue outfit
Look familiar: The thrifty Duchess is well known for recycling outfits and today was no exception, having first been pictured in the coat in 2014 during a visit to New Zealand where she lay a wreath in the town of Blenheim in memory of the war dead
The spokesman added: 'There are no plans for the Duke to step down from a large number of organisations with which he is associated all at once. The reduction in the number of HRH's patronages will be gradual and in consultation with each organisation concerned.
'The Duchess of Cambridge has a close affiliation to the RAF following her husband's service with the Search and Rescue Force.'
Philip took up his appointment following the death of founding patron King George VI, and maintained his royal patronage for several decades, frequently visiting cadets and showing a keen interest in their activities.
The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme was readily incorporated into the air cadet syllabus and for many years the ATC has been the largest awarding body of the scheme, with hundreds of cadets and junior volunteers achieving the coveted gold award every year.
Ouch! The Duchess was pictured wearing a plaster alongside her famous sapphire and diamond engagement ring
All OK? The Duchess pulls an unusual expression as she chats with members of the RAF Air Cadets
Peekaboo! The Duchess leans out of her car showcasing her enviable make up and hair to onlookers
One has arrived: Well wishers had lined the street of the strand from early on Sunday morning hoping to get a glance of the Duchess
Kate now represents an organisation of 42,000 air cadets aged 12-19 and 15,000 adult volunteers at more than 1,200 units across the UK and abroad.
The RAF Air Cadets, which is made up of the Air Training Corps (ATC) and Combined Cadet Force (CCF), promotes a practical interest in aviation among both young men and women, providing training and encouraging the development of life skills including leadership and teamwork.
The ATC was first established in 1941 during the Second World War, with the aim to train young men in aviation skills before they joined the RAF. This year will mark 75 years since its formation, as well as the formation of a number of sections of the CCF.
Hard working: Kate now represents an organisation of 42,000 air cadets aged 12-19 and 15,000 adult volunteers at more than 1,200 units across the UK and abroad
Exciting future: The Duchess's visit will be the first in a series of RAF Air Cadets events planned throughout the year to celebrate the organisation's important work and history
Marching orders: The Duchess was greeted by flag bearers as she made her way into the church for the service
The Duchess's visit will be the first in a series of RAF Air Cadets events planned throughout the year to celebrate the organisation's important work and history.
Although today is only the first engagement of the Duchess' year it looks like 2016 could be a busy one for Kate as she inherited a further title just last week. The royal is set to take on a prestigious tennis role as The Queen prepares to hand over two of her most high-profile patronages.
Kate Middleton will become patron of the All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, which hosts the Wimbledon championships - after Her Majesty enjoyed 64 years in the role.
As a lifelong tennis fan, the 34-year-old royal is likely to be thrilled following the move - the latest that suggests the Queen is preparing to cut down her workload ahead of her 90th birthday this year.
According to the Sunday Times, the Duchess's patronage is likely to be officially announced during the tennis championships this summer.
Feeling nervous: Some of the young cadets looked a little worried as they anticipated the Duchess's arrival
Princess charming: Kate was all smiles at today's event as she wore her RAF brooch proudly
Hats off to you: As well as her coat thrifty Kate recycled her hat and was seen wearing it a year ago during a service in Bath
What a hoot: The Duchess seemed to be unable to contain her laughter as she was greeted by Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty
Pleased to meet you: The Duchess shakes the hand of a young member of the Air Cadets at today's event
Friendly face: The Duchess smiles as she meets another young member of the RAF Air Cadets
Over and out: Kate makes her way to the reception of the 75th anniversary following the church service
Entourage: The Duchess was accompanied by a large group as they make their way to the reception at the Royal Courts of Justice
Portrait of a princess: Kate showcases the detail of her Lock and Co hat from the back as she smiles a cheeky grin
Take my hand: Air Commodore Dawn McCafferty reaches her arm out to the Duchess as they make their way through Westminster
Windswept and interesting: Kate's famous curls suffered a little due to today's windy weather in London
Hello there: The royal gave a wave to onlookers who lined the streets hoping to catch a glimpse as she strode past
A souvenir? Kate appeared to have kept her hymn book from the service as a memento from her visit
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