Queen Camilla makes first official visit to regiment as Colonel-in-Chief in sweet nod to late father
Queen Camilla made a poignant outing today
Reuters
Queen Camilla made her first official visit to a regiment as its Colonel-in-Chief in a sweet nod to her late father.
The Queen, 76, was appointed Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Lancers on June 8, 2023.
The position was formerly held by Queen Elizabeth II, following the Regiment’s formation in 2015.
Camilla's outing was a sweet nod to her late father, Major Bruce Shand, who died in 2006.
The Queen wore a bespoke outfit for the occasion designed by Fiona Clare
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Commissioned in 1937, Major Shand served with the 12th Lancers during World War Two.
He won a Military Cross during the withdrawal to Dunkirk in 1940 and later again in 1942 during the Second Battle of El Alamein in North Africa.
Major Shand was captured on November 6, 1942, during a battle in which the crew of his armoured car were both killed and he himself severely wounded.
The Queen's late father was held in Spangenberg Castle until he escaped in early 1945.
Queen Camilla inspecting her Regiment
Reuters
Major Shand subsequently left the army after the War.
Buckingham Palace confirmed to GB News that Queen Camilla donned a blue Fiona Clare outfit today, modelled on the Lancers' uniform.
On arrival at Cambrai Lines, the Queen was greeted by the Lord Lieutenant, Jo Ropner, and Colonel of the Regiment, Colonel Richard Charrington.
Queen Camilla's visit was also a sweet nod to her late father
Reuters
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Camilla's father Major Bruce Shand attending her wedding to King Charles in 2005
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Her Majesty was received by a Royal Salute, after which she inspected some of the 152 Lancers on parade and addressed her Regiment before they conducted a march.
The 76-year-old also met families and members of the Old Comrades Association (OCA) at a reception immediately after the parade.
Queen Camilla later viewed her late father’s tunic, which is to be put on public display at the Regimental Museum in Derby, following its purchase at auction by the Regiment.