The Princess of Wales wore camouflage and a Holland Cooper jacket for a visit to the Queen’s Dragoon Guards.
Embed from Getty Images
This was her first engagement with the Guards as Colonel-in-Chief, an appointment made by King Charles in August.
Embed from Getty Images
We learn about the Guards’ background from Stephanie Petit’s People article.
The QDG was formed in 1959 from the amalgamation of the two senior Cavalry regiments, 1st King’s Dragoon Guards and the Queen’s Bays. The QDG specializes in reconnaissance: the art of seeking out the enemy and understanding how they operate. They’ve moved all over the world, most recently deployed to Mali as part of a peacekeeping operation.
After arriving at Roberston Barracks in Norfolk, the Princess donned a combat vest and helmet and saw how the regiment works in the field.
She learned about different equipment, including reconnaissance drones used by the Guards.
Embed from Getty Images
Here you see her operating one of the drones.
Embed from Getty Images
She also drove a seven-ton Jackal 2 armored vehicle.
More from the Wimbledon Guardian’s story.
Corporal Darreyl Tukana, a driving instructor, sat beside Kate in the Jackal 2 on Wednesday. He said afterwards: “She was a natural.
“She drives a Land Rover back at home – I told her it’s exactly the same, just take it slowly and go back to where we started off from.
“She was enjoying every bit of the journey itself.
Danielle Stacey tells us more in her Hello story.
Asked if he had to teach her much, he said: “Not really, I just needed to switch on a few toggle switches before start-up, because it’s different from a car.
“But I switched it on, put it into gear and I told her it’s just like a normal car.”
The Ministry of Defence describes it as “the Regiment’s primary vehicle…ideal for its reconnaissance role due to its speed, endurance, and maneuverability.”
After participating in the field operations, the Princess awarded Long Service and Good Conduct medals.
The medals are awarded to soldiers who have 15 years of exemplary service.
Embed from Getty Images
The Princess spoke with service members.
Embed from Getty Images
As well as family members.
Embed from Getty Images
More from The Daily Mail’s coverage.
Kate Ormston, 31, whose 38-year-old husband Staff Sergeant Paul Ormston is attached to the regiment, was with their two children Joey, 10, and six-year-old Jackson when she spoke to the princess.
She said: ‘It was really exciting. She asked about Army life and my husband being deployed, and just generally she was just really down to earth and friendly, it was really nice.
‘She spoke to everyone individually, she introduced herself to the children and asked their names and ages which was really nice.
‘I think they were a little bit overwhelmed as well.’
She added: ‘She’s done it herself, hasn’t she, William’s been in the military so she knows what it’s like.’
The Princess had one more task before leaving: promoting the regiment’s mascot from Lance Corporal to Corporal. The Bay Welsh Mountain pony is called Trooper ‘Longface’ Emrys Jones.
The pony has served with the regiment since 2016.
Here is a quick Kensington Palace video on the visit.
A pleasure to meet with members of 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards (@TheWelshCavalry) and newly promoted Bay Welsh Mountain pony, Trooper ‘Longface’ Emrys Jones, in Norfolk today. Looking forward to working with you in the years ahead. pic.twitter.com/9WDdlgoMGF
— The Prince and Princess of Wales (@KensingtonRoyal) November 8, 2023
Now for a quick look at what Kate wore: a camouflage jacket, combat vest, and helmet.
For the engagement inside the barracks, the Princess brought back the Holland Cooper Twill Double Breasted Blazer (£549, about $675) first worn in May 2021 when visiting the University of St. Andrews.
The design features classic double-breasted styling with a slim, long-line silhouette. It is made in England using wool woven in the UK.
The Princess also brought back her See by Chloé ‘Mozart’ Ankle Boots.
The boots have a rounded toe, stacked heel, and heavy tread rubber sole.
++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++
Also today, a couple of collaborative collections you may be interested in. The first is the Jigsaw X Roksanda collection. It is described as “Blending a mastery of craft with a love of art, the collection encompasses ROKSANDA’s signature architectural forms, distinctive cuts and clever use of colour, whilst giving a contemporary take on Jigsaw’s heritage tailoring, playful approach to print and considered design aesthetic.”
Styles include a chunky Fisherman Ribbed Sweater ($280), a Silk Velvet Dress ($500), a Plisse Knit Turtleneck ($190), and a Satin Colorblock Skirt ($210).
There are also accessories like a Teardrop Necklace ($125), Teardrop Earrings ($115), and a Silk Twill Scarf ($115).
The Uniqlo X Anya Hindmarch collection is all knitwear, except for a reusable bag, with styles for adults and children. The pieces showcase the whimsical style associated with many Anya Hindmarch designs and also have Uniqlo’s wallet-friendly price points, with wool sweaters for children at $29.90, adult sweaters at $49.90, and beanies at $19.90.
The collection will be available online and in stores on November 24th. You can view the lookbook here.
And finally, it looks like we may have a tiara engagement in a few weeks when there is a state banquet honoring Korea. Below, a few updates from the Kate’s Calendar page.
- Tuesday, November 21: The Prince and Princess of Wales will welcome the President of the Republic of Korea, His Excellency Yoon Suk Yeol, and the First Lady, Mrs. Kim Keon Hee, at their hotel. They will travel to Horse Guards Parade for a ceremonial welcome.
- Tuesday, November 21: The Prince and Princess of Wales are expected to attend the state banquet at Buckingham Palace for Korea’s President and First Lady.