Never before seen pictures of Kate Middleton training with the army

The Duchess of Cambridge has released new pictures on Instagram, which also came with a very touching message.

Kate Middleton has shared photos of herself getting UK army training alongside a personal message to celebrate Armed Forces Day.

Armed Forces Day, taking place on Saturday, is an annual chance to show support for the UK’s military community.

And to celebrate Kate took to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge’s Instagram and Twitter to share a personal message.

Along side photos of her being put through her paces, she wrote: “Today on Armed Forces Day, William and I would like to pay tribute to the brave men and women, past and present, serving in all of our armed forces, at sea, on land and in the air, here in the UK and around the world.

“Thank you for all you and your families sacrifice to keep us safe.

Last year, I was honoured to spend time with the @BritishArmy to see how they train serving personnel and new recruits.

“It was wonderful to see first-hand the many important and varied roles the military play day in, day out to protect us all, and I look forward to discovering more about the @RoyalNavy and @RoyalAirForceUK in due course.”

The pictures have been released to celebrate Armed Forces Day. Picture: Corporal Alexander Morris

Pictures show Kate visiting Pirbright Training Academy in November when she spent time with the 101 Operational Sustainment Brigade at Abingdon Airfield to see first-hand how new recruits and serving personnel are trained.

She also participated in some of the training exercises and spent time speaking to personnel about their experiences in the British Army.

Photos show Prince William’s wife getting her hands dirty helping repair machinery.

And she beamed as she was put in a vehicle wearing an army helmet.

She also participated in some of the training exercises and spent time speaking to personnel about their experiences in the British Army. Picture: Corporal Cameron Eden

Kate signed off the personally written social media post with ‘C’ for Catherine.

Previously called Veterans’ Day, Armed Forces Day has been running since 2006, and although it is not a public holiday, it is still supported and celebrated up and down the country.

It was originally started by then Chancellor of the Exchequer, Gordon Brown, who believed it was a way to make sure the sacrifices made by veterans were never forgotten.

It was renamed in 2009 to include all of the military community – not just veterans- and has since been held on the last Saturday of June every year.

She gave the lads a hand mending equipment. Picture: Corporal Cameron Eden

Events are being held across the ­country in a special ­celebration to thank our military heroes present and past.

Earlier this week Kate and hubby Prince William visited the new Windrush Monument at Waterloo station.

Flawless Kate, dazzling in a white trouser suit by Alexander McQueen, stretched out her hand to a little girl in school uniform who in turn gripped her tightly.

The Duchess smiled as she shared a few special words with the child on the platform.

She wore the same blazer during the Royal tour to Jamaica in March.

Unseen snaps show Kate Middleton visiting Pirbright Training Academy in November. Picture: Corporal Cameron Eden

The Duchess could also be seen shaking the hand of a little lad as the mum-of-three shot a warm smile.

William and Kate met and chatted with pioneers of the Windrush Generation and their families at the monument.

This story originally appeared on The Sun and is reproduced here with permission