Duchess Camilla was named patron of the Royal Lancers in June last year, taking over the role from Queen Elizabeth II. Her father, Major Bruce Shand, served in the 12th Lancers, which is now part of the regiment.
by Dylan Donnelly, news reporter
Monday 22 April 2024 15:38 UK
The Queen met the Royal Lancers for the first time, where her father served as a colonel during World War II.
camilla He took over the role in June last year when he was appointed patron of the regiment. queen elizabeth ii after her death.
Her father, Major Bruce Shand, served in the 12th Lancers (now part of the Royal Lancers) and won the Military Cross for bravery at the Battle of Dunkirk. Second World War.
The 76-year-old had her clothes inspected at barracks in Catterick, North Yorkshire, where she was shown a tunic that belonged to her late father and a letter signed by him.
Camilla was greeted by Lieutenant Joe Roper and Regimental Colonel Richard Charrington. The regiment then gave a royal salute while the Queen inspected and addressed the 152-person parade.
In her speech she said: “My father described the regiment as “a very capable, highly skilled, and unique organization.''
“I have no doubt that your future deployment will be a resounding success and add to the rich history of our Regiment.”
The 76-year-old also met his family and members of the Old Comrades Association (OCA) at a reception afterwards, before being escorted into the parade.
While at the barracks, she met with Major Phil Watson, who awarded her five medals and is now retired, and who wrote The Greatest Hour.
The book chronicles the 12th Lancers' involvement in the Battle of Dunkirk and has a foreword written by Camilla, in which she says she is “very proud of the regiment's long and illustrious history”. There is.
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Buckingham Palace added that armored vehicles, including a Humber and a Dingo, which would have been commanded by Major Shand during Camilla's visit, were on display.
The Royal Lancers were formed in 2015 by the amalgamation of the 9th/12th Royal Lancers and the Queen's Royal Lancers.
Over the past 12 months, the Armored Reconnaissance Regiment has been deployed to Poland as part of NATO's Forward Presence Enhancement and Kosovo Forces.
Camilla's father was also a member of the 12th Royal Lancers and won the Military Cross in 1942 at El Alamein in North Africa. Major Shand was captured in action on November 6 of the same year, and both crew members of the armored car were killed.
He was held at Spangenberg Castle in Germany until his escape in early 1945. He was then discharged after the war.