Just a day after throwing a Christmas party in the UK, Prince William and Duchess Catherine have touched down at the RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus.
The royal couple flew to the European nation to meet serving personnel, families living on the base, wider station personnel and members of the local community, many of whom will be serving and away from their families during the festive season.
And in a whole new level of royal mail, the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge brought presents from some of the families they met for the military personnel deployed at the RAF base at their party the day before.
Around 11,000 sailors, soldiers, airmen and marines are deployed over the silly season and in an act of gratitude for their service, the Duke and Duchess’s visit to the Mediterranean country aimed to personally thank those serving for making such sacrifices at Christmas time.
“All of this work is done without fanfare. You don’t seek praise for your contribution. It’s not about credit or recognition – for you, it’s just about service,” Prince William, a former RAF Search and Rescue helicopter pilot himself, said.
“But as we approach Christmas, Catherine and I feel strongly that praise for your work and recognition of your sacrifices is exactly what is due to you all.”
The couple then joined families stationed at the base for a festive afternoon tea and visited the Sergeants mess to hand out gifts.
The royal couple also took some time to meet well-wishers in the crowd, and it’s safe to say that they were excited.
Dressed in a smart trouser suit, reminiscent of sister-in-law Duchess Meghan, Duchess Catherine was particularly attentive to the children who had come out to greet them.
When the royal mum-of-three noticed one boy’s jacket covered in dinosaurs, she remarked that Prince George would love it and also revealed to another fan that Prince Louis has even started to practice his royal wave.
Yesterday, William and Catherine hosted the partners and children of army personnel serving overseas at Christmas time and participated in a variety of festive activities.
The Duchess of Cambridge spoke at the event saying, “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.”