The King has taken a ride in a British Army tank on his first visit to the Royal Tank Regiment (RTR) as its Colonel-in-Chief.
His Majesty arrived at the Tank Museum in Bovington, Dorset, in a 1920 Pattern Rolls-Royce armoured car, coinciding with the centre's families’ day for the relatives of the regiment’s personnel.
This entrance echoed a previous royal visit, as the late Queen used the same vehicle when she attended the museum in 1997 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai.
When later questioned about his experience in the armoured car, the King quipped: "Very slow." He assumed the title of head of the regiment in 2023, following the passing of his mother.
During his visit, Charles was given a comprehensive tour of the museum, including the Tank Story Hall, where staff detailed the evolution and significance of tanks from the First World War to the present day.
He also met four of the RTR’s former Colonels-Commandant, who each served as the ceremonial head of the regiment.
Outside, the King presented medals to soldiers on parade including wider service medals for Operation Cabrit in Estonia, long service, good conduct medals and commendations.
He also had a chance to meet family members of the regiment.
The King then inspected a Challenger 3 tank, the army’s newest battle tank, before he was shown the latest technological innovations being used by the regiment including 3D-printed equipment and search and attack drones.
Wearing a crew guard helmet, Charles, sitting in the commander seat, was then taken for a ride around the museum’s arena in a Challenger 2 tank.
The visit comes as it was confirmed Duke of Sussex will not stay at Buckingham Palace during his return to the UK, after the accommodation arrangements for his trip descended into chaos.
A spokesman for Harry said it was “disappointing” the offer from the King had been “withdrawn at the last moment”, with the looming judgment in the duke’s case against Associated Newspapers on Tuesday given as the reason.
As exasperation appeared to grow on both sides, it is understood the duke initially turned down the offer for himself and his family, who are no longer accompanying him to London, on Saturday, before making a U-turn later in the day and asking to stay himself.
The appropriate hospitality and staffing provision was said to be no longer available, with Buckingham Palace also believing the longstanding legal case had complicated the matter, and could compromise the King’s constitutional position.
It is said that while every effort was made to facilitate Harry’s stay, as a courtesy to staff and others involved, the Royal Household requires a minimum level of notice to ensure he could be hosted appropriately at a royal residence.
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