Kate rides in armoured vehicle dressed in cameo as she makes Colonel-in-chief debut

Kate in Dereham today

GETTY
Dorothy Reddin

By Dorothy Reddin


Published: 08/11/2023

- 12:54

Updated: 08/11/2023

- 15:13

Kate made the visit to Swanton Morley for the first time today

The Princess of Wales visited soldiers at the Robertson Barracks in Norfolk today, on an important engagement as colonel-in-chief of The Queen's Dragoon Guards Regiment.

Kate, 41, travelled to Swanton Morley, near Dereham in Norfolk, where she also promoted a pony mascot in rank.


The mother-of-three became the Colonel-in-chief of the regiment in August.

She visited the regiment today to find out more about their operations, as well as meet families of personnel.

Kate Middleton

Kate became the colonel-in-chief in August

Reuters

Kate Middleton

Kate promoted the regimental mascot

PA

Later on in the day, the princess changed into her soldier uniform as she was shown the tanks and various pieces of equipment used by the Queen’s Dragoon Guards.

The 41-year-old even promoted the regimental mascot from Lance Corporal to Corporal.

The mascot, a Welsh Mountain Pony, is named Trooper "Longface" Emrys Jones.

The Queen’s Dragoon Guards (QDG) have been active for more than 300 years. They were formed in 1959 after the 1st King’s Dragoon Guards and the Queen’s Bays were joined together.

Kate Middleton

Kate heard more about the soldiers' daily lives

Reuters

Kate Middleton

Kate with The Queen's Dragoon Guards

PA

The QDG are experts in reconnaissance, which means seeking out the enemy and understanding how they work.

Kate received a briefing today on the regiment from senior officers.

This included learning about the Jackal 2 high mobility weapons platform, and how they utilise reconnaissance drones.

The princess then met families of QDG personnel to hear about their experiences.

Kate Middleton

Kate wore an all-black look today

Reuters

Kate Middleton

Kate looked great in her khaki outfit

PA

Kate Middleton

Kate awarded medals to servicemen and women today

PA

She also awarded medals to servicemen and women and ahead of Remembrance Sunday.

Kate took a moment with serving personnel to remember those lost in active service in recent years.

For today's outing, the princess donned an all-black look, along with her Royal British Legion poppy.

She later changed into her khaki soldier uniform to be shown the tanks up close by the soldiers.

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