King Charles returned to Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth today to address graduating officers at the Lord High Admiral's Divisions parade.
The monarch told the assembled cadets he was "delighted" to celebrate those passing out, noting each had demonstrated they were ready to serve the nation with distinction through achieving the highest standards.
In a personal reflection, the King admitted feeling "somewhat alarmed" that more than five decades had passed since he occupied their position.
"It has been some 54 years since I stood where you are, as part of Blake Division," he said.
'Leadership is about character!' King Charles issues defiant speech after becoming visibly emotional
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King Charles recalled numerous memories from his training days, particularly navigating picket boats along the River Dart whilst learning to avoid collisions with enthusiastic yacht owners.
Those early experiences proved invaluable when, five years later, he found himself at the helm of a Ton class minehunter – one of the Royal Navy's final wooden-hulled vessels.
The King recounted with characteristic humour his efforts to avoid becoming a tabloid sensation whilst attempting to berth the ship during severe weather conditions.
"I desperately tried to avoid becoming yet another headline in the tabloid newspapers by running into the jetty during a berthing operation in a force nine gale," he told the graduates.
King Charles pictured with teary eyes at the engagement | GETTYThe King described these challenging moments as "character-building stuff which has stood me in good stead ever since."
During his naval career, the King served aboard seven different ships. Earlier this year, he hosted a reunion at Buckingham Palace for former shipmates, an occasion that reminded him both of his advancing years and the enduring bonds formed through shared service.
The King highlighted the Royal Navy's ongoing transformation, pointing to HMS Prince of Wales's recent global deployment on Operation HIGHMAST as evidence of the service's capabilities.
On Thursday, King Charles and Queen Camilla hosted the aircraft carrier's crew at Clarence House, where the monarch serves as Honorary Commodore in Chief of Royal Navy Aircraft Carriers whilst Her Majesty holds the role of Lady Sponsor.
King Charles first arrived at Dartmouth on September 16, 1971 | GETTYThe deployment built upon lessons from HMS Queen Elizabeth's 2021 maiden operational voyage and achieved several notable firsts, including operating a full complement of F-35 fighter jets from both British and allied decks.
Charles told graduates he had spoken directly with serving personnel about their experiences during the eight-month mission, adding: "You all have so much to look forward to."
Addressing the graduates directly on the subject of leadership, the King drew upon his own naval experience to offer guidance.
"My own service taught me that leadership is not about rank; it is, and has always been, about character," he said.
King Charles presided over the Lord High Admiral's Parade | GETTYCharles urged the new officers to make sound decisions under pressure, maintain their values during difficult times, and lead with both humility and resolve.
He emphasised that the core values instilled at Dartmouth – Commitment, Courage, Discipline, Respect, Integrity and Loyalty – must be lived and breathed daily.
The King also expressed pride at seeing international young officers on parade, noting that more than 30 nations had participated in the most recent Carrier Strike Group deployment.
"This country is lucky to have you," he concluded.