Cadets from Norfolk and Suffolk were some of the lucky few chosen to see the Duchess of Cambridge become patron of the Air Cadets.

HRH The Duke of Edinburgh passed on his patronage after being associated with the organisation for 63 years and there were smiles all round.

Cadet sergeant Tommy Dade, 18, from the 222 Broadland Squadron and cadet sergeant Bronwyn Jacobs, 18, of 863 Thurston Squadron attended the event at Buckingham Palace.

The landmark moment marks the first role for Kate Middleton that is linked to the military and as of Wednesday, she represents 42,000 air cadets from across the country. To thank Prince Phillip for his dedication to the organisation, he was given an engraved crystal vase bearing the cadet's 75th anniversary logo.

Kate Middleton also received a gift from Hellesdon teenager, Tommy Dade. He gave the Dutchess of Cambridge a copy of history book, Horizons, which outlines the history of the Air Cadets and their traditions.

He said: 'It is sad to see HRH The Duke of Edinburgh retire from the role but he has supported us for over 60 years and we couldn't ask for more. Having a new royal patron particularly someone as approachable and friendly as the Duchess is awesome.

'My fellow cadets will be so jealous that I met our new patron today and I hope many more cadets and staff get to meet her over the coming years. She will definitely raise our profile and, hopefully, help us recruit more volunteers so more young people get to experience cadet life.'

Bronwyn Jacobs, added: 'We are very excited to welcome the Duchess as our new patron and I am sure she will do an excellent job in raising the profile of the Air Cadets especially during our 75th year and beyond.'

The lucky pair were chosen for their sporting accomplishments. Both of them won national awards this year for the male and female sports cadets of 2015 and Tommy is on the England Futsal Football Squad and has a scholarship with Norwich City Football Club.

Tommy added: 'Cadets is so much fun and I recommend it to any young person'

Dawn McCafferty, air commodore, said: 'We will be forever grateful to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh for his outstanding commitment to the Air Training Corps over the decades.

'He is admired and respected by cadets and volunteers alike and we will miss his ready sense of humour.'