His Majesty The King, Captain General of the Royal Regiment of Artillery (RA) visited Larkhill, Wiltshire – the home of the ‘Gunners’ - to mark the Formation Parade of the newly created King's Gurkha Artillery (KGA) — the British Army's first ever dedicated Gurkha Artillery unit.
A Royal Welcome
Dressed in the ceremonial uniform of a Field Marshal, King Charles arrived to a 21-gun salute. He was greeted by Brigadier Charlie Harmer, Colonel of the KGA, with a Nepalese mala — a traditional garland in the KGA's colours. Young daughters of serving soldiers, dressed in traditional costume, presented The King with posies of flowers.
Formed in April 2025, the KGA is the seventh cap badge in the Brigade of Gurkhas (BG) and the first to bear the name of King Charles III.
This occasion marks not simply the union of two distinguished institutions, but a powerful reaffirmation of the enduring and deeply valued relationship between the United Kingdom and Nepal
The King's Speech
British and Nepalese dignitaries, senior officers, regimental personnel and their families watched proudly as the parade unfolded.
Speaking directly to those present in Nepali, The King opened with: "Ajur din ramro cha! [Today is a good day!]"
In his address, he spoke of the deep bond between Britain and Nepal:
"This occasion marks not simply the union of two distinguished institutions, but a powerful reaffirmation of the enduring and deeply valued relationship between the United Kingdom and Nepal. In so doing, it lends renewed meaning to that remarkable battle honour Ubique – ‘everywhere.’
He acknowledged centuries of Gurkha service, adding: "Over more than two hundred years, Gurkhas have served with unwavering courage and distinction across the world; we had our Gurkha Rifles, our Engineers, our Signallers, our logisticians and our administrative support we lacked the guns. I am delighted to see that now put right."
The King also spoke about the challenges of modern warfare and the responsibility the new regiment carries: "The capabilities of this new artillery unit will be shaped not only by tradition, but by the hard-learned lessons of modern conflict."
He closed with a message of confidence: “With the privilege of being the first custodians of this new Regiment comes a profound responsibility. You are entrusted with establishing its standards, shaping its character, and setting its course for those who will follow.
Malai tapai haru prati pura bjarosa cha! [I have full faith in you!]"
It gives me the greatest pleasure that, today, we mark this new beginning together. To you, the founding members of The King’s Gurkha Artillery, I offer my warmest congratulations.
Music Written for the Moment
The parade featured the world premiere of a brand-new march, composed specifically for the KGA. Captain David Hatton, Director of Music for the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas, wrote the piece for the occasion.
"It is rare to write a piece of music for a new unit," he said. "And very special to have a Royal present at the first public performance. I was looking for a Nepalese tune that captured the heart of the troops, and I hope I've done that justice with ‘The Gurkha Gunners’."
What Comes Next
The KGA will initially be based at Larkhill and will grow to support 1st Division, 3rd Division and 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team. Over the coming years, up to 500 Gurkha personnel will join the regiment, trained on advanced artillery systems including the Archer and Light Gun.
Gurkhas have a long history connected to artillery — serving in the Bombay Artillery before the First World War, and as gunners during the Second World War. Today, that tradition is fully restored.
The King's departure was met with three cheers from the parade, marking not just the end of a ceremony, but the beginning of a new chapter for the BG and RA.
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