Later that year, after a passing out parade, he entered the Royal Navy, beginning a career that mirrored the service of his father, grandfather and great-grandfathers.
Following training at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, the King served on HMS Norfolk and two frigates.
He qualified as a helicopter pilot in 1974 before joining 845 Naval Air Squadron, operating from HMS Hermes.
On February 9, 1976, he assumed command of the coastal minehunter HMS Bronington, where he served for his final nine months in the Royal Navy.
His Majesty holds numerous military ranks and affiliations, including Captain General of the Royal Marines, Colonel-in-Chief of The Parachute Regiment, Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Gurkha Rifles, Honorary Commodore-in-Chief of Aircraft Carriers and Royal Honorary Air Commodore of RAF Marham.