BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzaddin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, recently graced the farewell ceremony for some 650 personnel of the Second Battalion of the Royal Gurkha Rifles.
Upon arrival at the British Forces Brunei Headquarters in Seria, the monarch was greeted by Commander of the British Brunei Army Lieutenant Colonel Andrew P Todd.
His Majesty then received the royal salute and inspected the guard of honour comprising personnel of the Second Battalion, Royal Gurkha Rifles under the command of Major Ben Norfield.
The ceremony continued with His Majesty signing the royal parchment.
After the signing, His Majesty was given a briefing by Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Trow before mingling with the British officers and personnel who have also assisted the Ministry of Health in carrying out COVID-19 screening tests at Hospitals and health centres in the country.
From the British Forces Brunei Headquarters, His Majesty then went to the British Forces Brunei Sports Complex to view an exhibition and interact with the personnel of the Second Battalion of the Royal Gurkha Rifles and British Forces Brunei.
At the exhibition, the heads of departments presented brief descriptions of the role of every unit.
His Majesty then viewed an exhibition by Hornbill School students and mingled with the school’s teachers and students followed by the presentation of the pasambah to the sultan.
The Second Battalion personnel is slated to end their service and will be replaced by the First Battalion, based in Brunei Darussalam for the next three years.