King Charles returned to Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth today, presiding over the Lord High Admiral’s Divisions in his capacity as Lord High Admiral, where he became visibly emotional.
The monarch arrived at the Parade Ground alongside Captain Andrew Bray, with three DA20 Dassault Falcon aircraft marking the occasion with a flypast overhead.
The ceremony held particular significance for the King, who first walked through the college gates more than five decades ago as a young naval trainee.
Today’s event saw His Majesty oversee one of the Royal Navy’s most prestigious passing-out parades, celebrating newly commissioned officers completing their training.
King Charles becomes visibly emotional after returning to naval college
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The ceremony proceeded with the blessing of the King’s new colours, followed by His Majesty entrusting the King’s Colour to the college.
During his inspection of the front ranks and guard, the monarch reviewed officers representing nations across the Commonwealth and beyond, including personnel from Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The international presence underscored Dartmouth’s role in training naval officers from allied nations worldwide.
The King also took time to meet members of the Royal Marines Band, who provided musical accompaniment throughout the formal proceedings on the historic parade ground.
King Charles pictured with teary eyes at the engagement
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Four junior officers received prizes from the King in recognition of their exceptional achievements over the past year, having demonstrated outstanding performance across all disciplines while embodying the core values of the Naval Service.
Following a brief address by the monarch, the newly commissioned officers marched past as Charles took the salute.
In a moment rich with tradition, the officer cadets then slow-marched up the steps and through the college’s front doors for the first time since beginning their training at BRNC.
A reception on the Quarterdeck followed the parade, where the King joined the prize winners and their families.
King Charles first arrived at Dartmouth on September 16, 1971
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King Charles presided over the Lord High Admiral’s Parade
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His Majesty first arrived at Dartmouth on September 16, 1971, joining the Blake Division as a graduate entrant for a six-week programme covering leadership, navigation and Royal Navy fundamentals.
His subsequent naval career saw him qualify as a helicopter pilot in 1974, after which he served with 845 Naval Air Squadron aboard the Commando Carrier HMS Hermes.
The King’s final naval posting came in February 1976, when he took command of the coastal minehunter HMS Bronington for nine months before leaving the service.
His severance pay went towards founding what is now the King’s Trust.
The Royal Family’s connection to Dartmouth spans generations, with the King’s father, grandfather and great-grandfather all having trained at the college.