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Cyprus — Prince William and his wife Kate brought Christmas gifts and holiday greetings Wednesday to British servicemen at the Royal Air Force Base Akrotiri in Cyprus.
The visit by William and the Duchess of Cambridge was designed to honour the estimated 11 000 British soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines deployed on foreign operations over the holidays.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive at @RAFAkrotiri in Cyprus to meet Serving personnel, families living on the base, wider station personnel and members of the local community. pic.twitter.com/x5sR34QrvL
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) December 5, 2018
Meeting deployed personnel @RAFAkrotiri who are engaged on operations in support of Operation Shader, the UK’s contribution to the ongoing campaign against Daesh. pic.twitter.com/87QVlmRjlh
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) December 5, 2018
After meeting servicemen in a hangar, William thanked Britain's Armed Forces for their sacrifices.
"We are in your debt and Catherine and I feel very lucky to be able to spend time with you today," he said.
“On behalf of everyone back home, we would like to say thank you. Thank you for your commitment and thank you for your sacrifices. We are in your debt and Catherine and I feel very lucky to be able to spend time with you today.” — The Duke of Cambridge @RAFAkrotiri pic.twitter.com/zAMyRcVsmx
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) December 5, 2018
The Duke and Duchess also opened the Oasis centre used be personnel as a recreation area when they are not on shift.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge officially open the Oasis centre which is used by Serving personnel at @RAFAkrotiri as a recreation area when they are not on shift – during their down time. pic.twitter.com/OrEPWtyqCp
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) December 5, 2018
Officials say British forces are involved in 30 operations in 35 countries.
The Akrotiri base plays an important role in Britain's military activities throughout the Middle East.
SEE MORE PICS OF THEIR VISIT HERE:
At @RAFAkrotiri The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge met people living on the base and members of the local community. pic.twitter.com/iu7VaNtbna
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) December 5, 2018
?? Saying hello to serving personnel and families on the base at @RAFAkrotiri pic.twitter.com/lUSB5BGVyS
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) December 5, 2018
On Tuesday, the royal couple also hosted a party on the grounds at London's Kensington Palace for military families.
Yesterday The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge hosted a Christmas Party at Kensington Palace, supported by @PoppyLegion, for families and children of deployed personnel from @RAFCGY and @RAFMarhamMedia serving in Cyprus. pic.twitter.com/MrrQIj4uz6
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) December 5, 2018
