Her Royal Highness, The Princess of Wales, has visited 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards in her role as their new Colonel-in-Chief.
The visit to Robertson Barracks, Swanton Morley this week was Her Royal Highness’ first trip to the regiment since receiving the honorary title from His Majesty The King in August this year.
During her visit The Princess of Wales was invited to get behind the wheel of a Jackal reconnaissance vehicle and take it for a short drive on the training area.
QDG soldiers patrol for hundreds of kilometres across enemy terrain in these high mobility weapons platforms before dismounting and conducting reconnaissance on foot.
It is the Regiment’s primary vehicle and is ideal for its reconnaissance role due to its speed, endurance and manoeuvrability. The Princess was also shown the reconnaissance drones used by the regiment to provide intelligence from deep into enemy territory.
The new Royal Colonel went on to meet soldiers, their partners and children before presenting six Long Service and Good Conduct medals (LSGC). The medal is awarded to soldiers who have 15 years exemplary service.
During her visit The Princess received a brief on the regiment’s forthcoming training and operational commitments from the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Chris Kierstead.
The day ended with a special promotion that saw Her Royal Highness present Regimental Mascot Lance Corporal Emrys Forlan Jones with his Corporal stripes. This was in recognition of the Welsh mountain pony’s performance on parade at numerous events across the UK.
The 1st Queen’s Dragoon Guards recruits mainly from the Midlands, Wales and its border counties of Shropshire, Herefordshire and Cheshire.
