King Charles III carried out his inaugural visit as Captain General to the Royal Regiment of Artillery, marking a significant milestone in his ceremonial military roles.
The monarch was welcomed by Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Gregory, the Master Gunner St James' Park, upon his arrival at the regiment.
The visit commenced with full military honours as the national anthem played whilst troops on parade delivered a Royal Salute.
The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery fired a ceremonial gun salute to commemorate this historic occasion.
King Charles III carried out his inaugural visit as Captain General to the Royal Regiment of Artillery, marking a significant milestone in his ceremonial military roles.
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The Captain General role which the King assumed in August 2023 continues a tradition first established by King George VI in 1947.
During the visit, King Charles engaged with the Senior Leadership Team to gain insights into the soldiers' training and operational duties. He received a briefing on the regiment's rich heritage before proceeding to tour multiple equipment stands.
The displays demonstrated the full spectrum of the Royal Artillery's 'Find and Strike' capabilities.
His Majesty inspected various systems including the L118 Light Gun, ARCHER self-propelled howitzer, Multiple Launch Rocket System, unmanned aerial systems, and air defence equipment.
The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery fired a ceremonial gun salute to commemorate this historic occasion.
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The King also viewed presentations from the Commando and Airborne Regiments, meeting personnel from each capability area who explained their specialist roles within the regiment's operations.
The Royal Regiment of Artillery, established in 1716, has participated in every conflict involving the British Army, earning the Battle Honour 'Ubique' - meaning 'Everywhere'. Known as the Gunners, the regiment comprises 14 regular and seven reserve regiments.
The Royal Artillery serves as the Army's eyes, ears and firepower, employing advanced surveillance technology and unmanned aircraft to locate and monitor enemy positions.
They coordinate strikes using artillery pieces, rockets, missiles, Army attack helicopters and other assets, including fast jets and Royal Navy ship guns.
The monarch was welcomed by Lieutenant General Sir Andrew Gregory, the Master Gunner St James' Park, upon his arrival at the regiment.
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The monarch was invited into the Royal Artillery Officers' Mess, where he met various personnel and learned more about the institution's family and heritage.
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Queen Elizabeth II held the Captain General position from 1952, following her father King George VI who first assumed the role in 1947.
Following a demonstration firing of the Light Gun, the King received a special presentation from the regiment. He was given an engraved 105mm cartridge as a commemorative gift marking his first visit as Captain General.
The monarch was invited into the Royal Artillery Officers' Mess, where he met various personnel and learned more about the institution's family and heritage.
Before his departure, King Charles took time to meet with soldiers' families, demonstrating his personal interest in the welfare of those who serve.
The visit represented a significant moment for the Royal Regiment of Artillery, strengthening the bond between the monarchy and one of Britain's oldest military institutions.
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