King Charles touched down at Baker Barracks on Thorney Island in Hampshire on Thursday, marking his inaugural visit to the 7th Air Defence Group Royal Artillery units.
The monarch, dressed in a suit with a regimental tie and pin, arrived by helicopter in his capacity as Captain General of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, commonly referred to as the Gunners.
Members of the 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery welcomed the King with a traditional 21-gun salute, with each of the three guns firing seven rounds.
Nursery and school children, along with military families stationed at the barracks, gathered to observe the ceremonial arrival.
King Charles pictured viewing a lightweight multiple launcher at army barracks in iconic scenes
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The King observed demonstrations of the group's short and medium-range air defence capabilities, witnessing firsthand the equipment that provides the British Army with what has been described as "its eyes, ears and firepower".
His Majesty also spent time with the service personnel who operate this specialist equipment at the Hampshire base.
A key moment of the visit saw the monarch formally inaugurate the newly constructed Junior Ranks' Restaurant, cutting the ribbon on the facility designed for lower-ranking soldiers stationed at the barracks.
The King's engagement with the wider barracks community formed another significant element of Thursday's programme.
His Majesty also spent time with the service personnel who operate this specialist equipment at the Hampshire base
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His Majesty met with families whose loved ones are currently deployed on operations abroad, offering a personal connection to those experiencing the challenges of military separation.
In a modern touch to the royal visit, the monarch participated in a live video link, enabling him to speak directly with troops serving in overseas locations.
This combination of in-person meetings and virtual connections reflects the contemporary nature of military family support, allowing the King to acknowledge both those at home and personnel stationed around the world.
The Royal Regiment of Artillery boasts a distinguished heritage stretching back to 1716, when the Gunners were first established.
His Majesty met with families whose loved ones are currently deployed on operations abroad
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King Charles assumed the ceremonial position of Captain General on 11 August 2023
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The regiment holds the Battle Honour Ubique, Latin for "everywhere", reflecting its participation in every conflict involving the British Army throughout its three-century history.
King Charles assumed the ceremonial position of Captain General on 11 August 2023, continuing a tradition begun by King George VI in 1947 and maintained by Queen Elizabeth II from 1952.
Today, the Royal Artillery comprises 21 regiments in total, with 14 serving in the regular army and seven operating as reserve units.