THE Prince and Princess of Wales and their children George, Charlotte and Louis put on brave faces during a surprise rain-soaked visit to the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford today, Friday.

These pictures by Gloucestershire photographer Paul Nicholls show a characteristically chic Kate dressed in a summery beige blazer with a white blouse and blue trousers and a stylish Prince William in a smart blue check jacket, blue chinos and brown suede ankle boots with their three children as wind and rain lashed the airfield.

Despite the weather, the royal couple were all smiles as they were greeted by Wing Commander Will Essex,

Their first stop was an emotional one for the family as they were shown around a huge C-17 transporter aircraft, which was used to move the late Queen's coffin from Edinburgh to London in September.

George was given the task of partially raising the ramp and could be seen pressing the button as his father watched on.

Although some events have been cancelled due to the weather, spectators wrapped up in waterproofs to enjoy a few displays today as jets, helicopters and historic planes took to the rainy skies.