'Best Of British Luck': Duchess Of Cornwall Meets RAF Graduates

The Duchess of Cornwall has wished new RAF graduates the "very best of British luck".

Camilla highlighted the Air Force's "vital role in protecting our nation" during "troubled times" as she addressed a graduation parade at RAF Halton in Wendover, Aylesbury.

Military troops are being deployed across the country, including to key sites such as Parliament, Buckingham Palace and Downing Street, in the wake of the Manchester terror attack.

And the Duchess expressed her horror at the suicide bomb attack at the Manchester Arena pop concert on Monday night, which left 22 dead and dozens seriously injured:

"I know that each one of us feels the unmitigated tragedy of the horrific event in Manchester."

"Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the victims and their families during this truly dreadful time."

Camilla, who is Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Halton, added: "You are now airmen in the oldest independent Air Force in the world which, in these troubled times, continues to play a vital role in protecting our nation," she said.

"I wish each of you the very best of British luck."

The Duchess presented the station with its new Queen's Colour and met schoolchildren, who she joined in throwing paper planes as they learned about aviation.

She also chatted to pupils who were trying out a Chipmunk flight simulator.