The Prince of Wales visited the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards at Salisbury Plain to observe their transition from ceremonial duties back to military operations on Tuesday morning .
As Colonel of the Welsh Guards, Prince William received briefings on the regiment’s current activities and witnessed personnel conducting specialist training exercises.
The visit marks a significant shift for the battalion as they refocus on developing their combat capabilities following two years of high-profile ceremonial duties.
The Welsh Guards have played pivotal roles in several historic royal ceremonies over the past two years.
The Prince of Wales visited the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards at Salisbury Plain to observe their transition from ceremonial duties back to military operations
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The regiment was instrumental in Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s funeral proceedings and participated in King Charles III’s Coronation.
They also had the honour of Trooping their Colour at His Majesty’s first Birthday Parade in 2023.
Beyond ceremonial duties, the battalion has maintained an active military presence, conducting overseas operations in both the Falkland Islands and Oman.
The Welsh Guards are now focusing on rebuilding their specialist weapons capabilities through intensive training programmes.
As Colonel of the Welsh Guards, Prince William received briefings on the regiment’s current activities and witnessed personnel conducting specialist training exercises.
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During his visit, Prince William observed live firing exercises featuring various weapon systems, including sniper rifles and General Purpose Machine Guns.
The regiment is also incorporating modern technology, utilising Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems (sUAS Drones) to enhance battlefield awareness.
The Prince concluded his visit by meeting with Specialist Platoons to discuss their roles and experiences transitioning back from ceremonial duties to combat operations.
The engagement comes just a day after the Prince of Wales and Oman’s Crown Prince Theyazin bin Haitham joined forces as Co-Patrons of the Jewel of Arabia Expedition, marking their collaboration at a launch event in London on Monday.
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The engagement comes just a day after the Prince of Wales and Oman’s Crown Prince Theyazin bin Haitham joined forces as Co-Patrons of the Jewel of Arabia Expeditio
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The two royal heirs attended the Royal Geographical Society, where they unveiled plans for an ambitious environmental initiative.
The initiative aims to raise awareness among young people about Oman’s natural heritage and biodiversity, while addressing environmental challenges faced both locally and globally.
At the London launch, the royal Co-Patrons viewed historical artifacts connected to Thomas’s original expedition, including maps of Oman and photographs from his journey.
The princes also heard presentations from the expedition team and leading British scientists about biodiversity protection in the region.