© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Duchess of Cambridge paid a moving visit to RAF Brize Norton in Oxfordshire on Wednesday, as she met military personnel who supported the UK's efforts to evacuate civilians from Afghanistan.
At her first royal outing after her summer break, Kate spoke with those who took part in Operation Pitting, which saw more than 15,000 people airlifted out of Kabul during August, including thousands of Arap (Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy) applicants and their dependents.
More than 850 people arrived at the RAF base in Oxfordshire and were provided practical support like food, clothing, children's toys and medical help while their details were processed.
READ: Kate Middleton's back for royal duty rocking the power jacket you've always wanted
WATCH: Kate Middleton returns to work with moving visit to RAF Brize Norton
© Photo: Getty ImagesThe Duchess met RAF aircrews and medics who supported evacuees at Kabul airport and civilians and volunteers who established a repatriation centre at RAF Brize Norton.
MORE: Prince William and Kate Middleton send birthday wishes to Prince Harry
Keep clicking for more photos...
© Photo: Getty ImagesOperation PITTING involved every unit based at RAF Brize Norton, with personnel supporting the operation alongside the Royal Navy, British Army, local authorities and aid organisations in Afghanistan and the UK.
MORE: Kate Middleton spotted off duty - in the high street dress that's so hard to get
© Photo: Getty ImagesKate was given a tour of a C17 transporter plane during her visit.
MORE: 15 sweet photos of Michael Middleton with Kate, Pippa and James
© Photo: Getty ImagesWhile speaking to a group of personnel, Kate commented on how some of the rescue flights included "babies, tiny babies".
Corporal Guy Watts, who did seven flights to Kabul and whose job involved making sure the journeys remained safe, said the duchess voiced her appreciation of everyone's efforts.
He said: "She appreciates that some of it wasn't easy.
"And she appreciated how smoothly we managed to keep things running."
© Photo: Getty ImagesCpl Watts told Kate that those he helped evacuate had not seen a military jet before.
He said: "The adrenaline was really pumping as we were getting them on.
"Then as soon as we were in the air and got to altitude, they just collapsed."
Kate asked him: "Did they know what the plan was?
"You must have been asked loads of questions, like, what's happening next?"
He replied: "A lot of them did not realise we were going to Dubai.
"They were asking, how long is the flight to the UK? When is the next meal coming?"
He said the evacuees began to relax once the plane was airborne, adding: "That was such a big burden that was lifted off their shoulders.
"It was lovely to see, it was very rewarding."
© Photo: Getty ImagesKate looked elegant in a £285 neutral double breasted blazer from Reiss with a £440 cream blouse from Jane Atelier (recently rebranded from Goat Fashion) and high-waisted navy trousers. She accessorised with a top-handle taupe handbag from Tusting.
HELLO!'s selection is editorial and independently chosen – we only feature items our editors love and approve of. HELLO! may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. To find out more visit our FAQ page.
