Queen meets new mascot in visit to RoyalWelsh regiment
THE Queen has presented leeks to The Royal Welsh regiment to mark St David’s Day. Her Majesty, who is the regiment’s Colonel-in-Chief, presented the leeks to cadets, troops and veterans at Lucknow Barracks in Tidworth, Wiltshire.
The leeks, wrapped in red thread and dipped in gold, were pinned on the hats of regimental soldiers.
Dressed in a heather wool tweed coat by Karl Ludwig, the Queen stood on the dais of the parade square and took the royal salute before the National Anthem was played.
She inspected the parade while sat in the back passenger seat of a Range Rover and later met two regimental goats, Shenkin and Llywelyn.
The Queen addressed the parade square and said it was a “great pleasure” to celebrate St David’s Day with the regiment.
“I am also delighted to be able to present leeks to representatives of the regiment, from cadets to comrades, and to meet the new mascot, Llywelyn,” she said. “The British Army, perhaps more than any in the world, has always lived through the regiment and the regimental tradition.
“In the hour of battle it has repeatedly relied on these bonds, on the pride and comradeship of men who would sooner die than betray the traditions of their corps, or be unworthy of the men of old who fought before them under their colours.
“This is reflected in your regimental motto, Death rather than Dishonour. I see that same pride and comradeship in parade before us today and I am certain that the regiment is in good hands. I wish you all good fortune for the future.”
The Royal Welsh is one of the lead armoured infantry battalions of the British Army and was formed on St David’s Day, March 1, in 2006.
The Queen has been associated with The Royal Welsh and its former regiments, The Royal Welch Fusiliers and The Royal Regiment of Wales, since her coronation.
Following the address, the parade concluded with three cheers – with the troops lifting their berets into the air – and a royal salute. The regimental goats were on parade in accordance with a Royal Welsh tradition dating back to the late 1700s.
The Queen, dressed in a pink wool dress also by Karl Ludwig, then visited the officers’ mess. She also wore a hat by Angela Kelly. Inside the mess, the Queen viewed displays demonstrating the capability of the regiment.
Corporal Matthew McCabe, 27, from Rhyl, spoke to the Queen about skiing.
“It was amazing,” he said. “I was very impressed with the amount of time she spent with each person – there were 15 or so of us in the room and she spoke to every single person.
“She took her time, she didn’t rush anyone. She was smiling and alert. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
The Queen presented a total of 12 leeks – to two cadets, five soldiers from 1st Battalion, two from 3rd Battalion, one Canadian exchange officer and two old comrades.
The Royal Welsh band from Cardiff played during the parade.
Cadet sergeant Erin Bishop, 15, from Brecon, was presented with a leek for her beret by the Queen.
“It is a real achievement to meet her,” she said. “She congratulated me for being the Lord-Lieutenant’s cadet and said how it is going to be a big year.”
Erin will also attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace later this year.
Corporal Jason Done, 27, from Cardiff, was chosen to meet the Queen due to his hard work. He has served with the Royal Welsh since 2010.
“She said, ‘I’m surprised you have managed to keep so dry compared to everyone else’ and I said ‘I’m one of the lucky ones, ma’am’,” he said.
“I was full of nerves and had butterflies but as I saluted her and addressed her and made eye contact it was really warming.”
The Royal Welsh has a history going back more than 325 years. It has gained 244 battle honours, and 43 of its soldiers have received the Victoria Cross – Britain’s highest award for valour.