Duchess of Cambridge helps the Air Cadets celebrate 75th anniversary

The Duchess of Cambridge joined forces with Carol Vorderman as she carried out her first engagement as Honorary Air Commandant of the Air Cadets at a service to celebrate its 75th anniversary. She attended a service at the RAF church, St Clement Danes, followed by a reception at the Royal Courts of Justice in central London.

Kate, 34, assumed the role in December 2015, taking on the post from the Duke of Edinburgh who had been involved with the organisation for more than 60 years. She wore an Alexander McQueen coat with an Air Cadets Dacre brooch, which was traditionally presented to the best female cadet up until 2015, when it was agreed that girls should receive a sword like their male counterparts.

In a message in the order of service, the Duchess said she was delighted to represent the cadets. "The Air Cadets bring genuine benefit to our young people and indeed wider society," she said.

The RAF Air Cadets promotes a practical interest in aviation among both young men and women, providing training and encouraging the development of life skills. The organisation currently comprises of 42,000 cadets aged 12-19.

Vorderman, a qualified pilot and ambassador for the cadets, described the Duchess as an ideal figurehead for the organisation. She said: "Her husband is a pilot. Her brother-in-law is a pilot. Her father-in-law is a pilot. Her mum used to work in an airline. She obviously has a great appreciation of the military and enthusiasm for youth. "

Vorderman, whose two children are Air Cadets, told Sky News it is the "most wonderful" organisation. She said: "They just do fantastic work. Not only do they get involved in aviation and learn about aviation and fly and do all of that, there's a tremendous sense of belonging. They do an awful lot for the community where they live and they're just so happy about it."

The Duchess has been exceptionally busy in her public duties of late. She launched an awareness scheme to help children suffering from mental health issues, she accepted an invitation to be guest editor for Huffington Post for a day, and became the new patron of Wimbledon's tennis tournament after the Queen relinquished the role. Kate is a regular attendee at the All England Championships.