CADETS had a ‘down-to-earth’ royal encounter with the Duchess of Cambridge when they went on parade.

Thirty youths from 104 (Hayes) Detachment joined the First Battalion Irish Guards at the event in Aldershot before being presented with a shamrock by the duchess.

They chatted to Duchess Catherine and learned she also used to be a cadet when she was at school.

Cadet Lance-Sergeant James Sutherland, 17, from Beckenham, winner of an army scholarship to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, said: “I was extremely proud to be chosen to meet the Duchess. “I found her very down-to-earth and genuine.”

Cadet Corporal Katharine Higgs, 18, from Bickley, said: “It was an extra special pleasure to meet the duchess. “She was very friendly and it was interesting to learn that she had been a cadet at school and had enjoyed fieldcraft.”

Adult Under Officer Sean Hathaway said: “To be introduced to the Duchess of Cambridge was fantastic.

“The cadets were very smart on parade, and are a credit to the London borough of Bromley in which they live.”

The presentation parade was originally to be carried out by his Royal Highness Prince William, who is the Colonel in Chief of the Irish Guards, but he is currently serving in the Falkland Islands.

The cadets were invited to parade because they are affiliated to the Irish Guards.

Go to armycadets.com or call 020 8692 4066 for information about joining the Army Cadet Force.