The couple were met by General David Hurley AC DSC, Chief of Defence Force and Mrs Linda Hurley and stood to attention on a red carpet – which the troops laid just 10 minutes earlier – while the military band played the final verses of ‘God Save The Queen’ then ‘Advance Australia Fair’.
Prince William stepped forward to inspect the Royal Guard of Honour. It was a scene of wonderful military pageantry which one young troop member found a bit too much having to be escorted away by medics when the sun proved too punishing.
The visit by The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge recognises the close relationships between the British RAF and the RAAF.
Next the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge will no doubt enjoy experiencing a short flight in an F/A-18F Simulator, overseen by Officer Commanding of 82 Wing, Group Captain Micka Gray.
RAAF simulators are devices designed to re-create, as closely as possible, the actual conditions that personnel will experience in the air.
These simulators are complex, computer-driven machines, which accurately reflect the motion, sights and sounds perceived by a pilot in flight, in addition to replicating the cockpit and controls of the particular aircraft type.
Then later today the couple will hit downtown Brisbane for a reception and to greet the public who are already lining the South Bank.
