Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales, has visited 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards (QDG) in her role as their new Colonel-in-Chief.
The visit to Robertson Barracks, Swanton Morley, was Her Royal Highness’ first trip to the regiment since receiving the honorary title from His Majesty The King in August this year.
During her visit The Princess of Wales was invited to get behind the wheel of a Jackal reconnaissance vehicle and take it for a short drive on the training area.
QDG soldiers patrol for hundreds of kilometres across enemy terrain in these high mobility weapons platforms before dismounting and conducting reconnaissance on foot.
It is the Regiment’s primary vehicle and is ideal for its reconnaissance role due to its speed, endurance and manoeuvrability.
Corporal Tukana who accompanied The Princess of Wales in the Jackal said: “It’s been a special day and a real honour to meet Her Royal Highness. It’s the first time I have met a member of the Royal Family and it’s been a memorable experience.”
It’s been a special day and a real honour to meet her Her Royal Highness. It’s the first time I have met a member of the Royal Family and it’s been a memorable experience
The Princess was also shown the reconnaissance drones used by the regiment to provide intelligence from deep into enemy territory.
The new Royal Colonel went on to meet soldiers, their partners and children before presenting six Long Service and Good Conduct medals (LSGC). The medal is awarded to soldiers who have 15 years exemplary service.
Among those receiving the LSGC was WO2 Davies. He said: “It was a true honour and privilege to receive the medal from Her Royal Highness.”
During her visit The Princess received a brief on the regiment’s forthcoming training and operational commitments from the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Kierstead.
He said: “We are honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness to the regimental family. Her visit to the regiment has been a great honour for all those involved.”
We are honoured to welcome Her Royal Highness to the regimental family. Her visit to the regiment has been a great honour for all those involved
In the past three years, the regiment, known as The Welsh Cavalry, has completed two six-month UN peacekeeping tours to Mali in West Africa.
It currently has B Squadron deployed in the United States on Exercise Diamond Back and A Squadron is deployed in Poland on Op Cabrit.
The day ended with a special promotion that saw Her Royal Highness present Regimental Mascot Lance Corporal Emrys Forlan Jones with his Corporal stripes. This was in recognition of the Welsh mountain pony’s performance on parade at numerous events across the UK.
The 1st Queen’s Dragoon Guards recruits mainly from the Midlands, Wales and its border counties of Shropshire, Herefordshire and Cheshire.