CYPRUS: Royal couple arrive at RAF Akrotiri to spread Christmas cheer to British forces

Royal couple William and Kate touched down at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus on Wednesday to meet men and women separated from their loved ones over the festive period as they take part in active operations.

On Tuesday the Cambridges staged a Christmas party for families from RAF Coningsby and RAF Marham who have a relative deployed abroad – including Cyprus.

During the event, Kate told the invited family: "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."

During their brief visit to RAF Akrotiri, the duke and duchess will meet military personnel, families living on the base, wider station personnel and members of the local community.

The couple will visit and officially open the recently renovated Oasis centre, a recreation area used when the military are not on shift.

They will also be bringing presents from some of the families they met on Tuesday for military personnel deployed at the RAF base.

William is Honorary Air Commandant of RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire, which is home to Typhoon squadrons which deploy to Cyprus and fly operations in support of Op Shader, the UK's contribution to the ongoing campaign against ISIS.

RAF Akrotiri is the home of the Cyprus Operations Support Unit, which provides joint support to British Forces Cyprus and operations in the region to protect the UK's strategic interests.