Air Tattoo Receives Royal Stamp of Approval

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge have announced that they will be attending the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford on Friday, July 8.

The Duchess, who is Patron of the Air Cadet Organisation, will be present as the airshow stages official celebrations marking the Air Cadets’ 75^th anniversary. Both she and the Duke will have the opportunity to meet some of the Air Cadets during their visit.

Andy Armstrong, Chief Executive of RAF Charitable Trust Enterprises, which runs the airshow, said it will be a great honour to welcome the Royal couple.

He said: “I’m particularly pleased for the 1500-plus Air Cadets who’ll be on site either helping us run the airshow or taking part in the 75^th celebrations - and for the 2,000-plus volunteers who work so hard to make this amazing event happen. To have the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with us effectively rewards all their efforts with a Royal stamp of approval.”

The airshow, which takes place from Friday, July 8-10, will feature the international display debut of the stealthy state-of-the-art Lockheed Martin F-35B fast jet. Tickets for Saturday and Sunday have already sold out however there are a limited number still available for the Friday.

Mr Armstrong added: “As well as seeing the first ever international display by the F-35B, visitors on the Friday could get the opportunity to see the Royal couple – what a memorable day Friday’s turning out to be!”

During his time in the Royal Air Force, HRH The Duke of Cambridge was a member of 22 Sqn, the RAF Search and Rescue Force based at RAF Valley in Anglesey. He left in 2013. He is currently Patron of the Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and Honorary Air Commandant of Royal Air Force Coningsby.

The Air Tattoo is staged annually in support of the RAF Charitable Trust.