Soldiers from 2 RIFLES were honoured to host their Royal Colonel, His Royal Highness the Earl of Wessex, on 22 Sep 22 at their camp in Estonia.
Prince Edward made time to visit his troops amidst a busy schedule, following the funeral of his mother Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on 19 Sep 22.
On arrival, His Royal Highness was greeted by the command team and buglers of the battalion, including Corporal Creaney, the 2 RIFLES royal bugler, denoted by his yellow and red lanyard. Due to the period of mourning following Her Majesty’s death, no fanfare was played out of respect.
Prince Edward received an update on the battalion’s mission and varied activities in Estonia and the region from the command team. With a desire to understand what life is like on the ground for the riflemen in the battle group, Prince Edward was escorted through the tented accommodation to meet riflemen from HQ Company (Coy) in their bedspaces.
Over lunch, the Prince was hosted by C, I and A Coy, who discussed their recent training in Finland with him, before he visited 88 Battery and the Mortar Platoon.
The party moved to Battle Group Headquarters in order for His Royal Highness to meet Brigade Commanders of the 1st and 2nd Estonian Brigade, 2 RIFLES’ Estonian counterparts on Op CABRIT. Here was an opportunity for Prince Edward to read through the condolences book, signed with personal messages from members of 2 RIFLES Battle Group, following the death of Her Majesty the Queen.
The day concluded with a visit to the Camp Tapa Estonian memorial for a moment of reflection shared with the Estonian Brigade Commanders.
Over the course of the visit, Prince Edward was able to meet many of the riflemen from across the battle group, and 2 RIFLES personnel were immensely grateful for the visit and the support His Royal Highness has provided the battalion and its wider network of families and dependants over the years.
