Camilla honoured as she steps in to Duke’s Rifles role
THE Duchess of Cornwall modelled her new regimental coat dress as she took on one of Prince Philip’s roles and met The Rifles.
Camilla, who succeeded the Duke of Edinburgh as colonel-in-chief of the regiment, visited the 5th Battalion at their base in Bulford, Wilts, yesterday.
The battalion has recently returned from a seven-month operational tour in Estonia.
The Duchess became colonel-in-chief in July at the last public engagement undertaken by Prince Philip.
Camilla wore a dress designed by Fiona Clare underneath the green Rifles coat dress with black bugle buttons and Rifles brooch.
She presented soldiers with long service and good conduct medals and also oversaw the ceremony for a new regimental serjeant major.
Lieutenant Colonel Jim Hadfield, commanding officer, thanked the Duchess for her visit after such a busy time for the battalion.
He said: “A huge thanks to you for visiting us and it means a huge amount for you to visit your regiment.”
Camilla said: “It is particularly nice to come back again and meet all of you for the first time and really to thank you for all you are doing on your wonderful tour of Estonia.
“I know it was very challenging. I also wanted to thank all your families, your partners, for keeping the home fires burning.” The duchess met Colour Serjeant Jerry Wiredu, who was in the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle for Philip’s funeral last month. Ghana-born Sjt Wiredu has served 13 years in the Army and said it had been “the greatest honour” to take part.
He said: “I was there with the Royal Navy, the Royal Air Force and the Army. The Army was made up of units that he [Prince Philip] handpicked.” Sjt Wiredu added he was just back from Estonia when told he would represent the battalion.
He said: “I was awestruck to be there to represent the regiment and Ghana and the Commonwealth.” He also spoke of how fellow Ghanaians benefit from taking part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.