Queen Camilla has expressed optimism that the ongoing conflict in Ukraine might be resolved through determined opposition to authoritarian rule.
The Queen delivered her remarks during a celebration honouring The Rifles infantry regiment at London’s Guildhall on Thursday evening.
In her capacity as the regiment’s Colonel-in-Chief, she addressed the gathering whilst wearing an elegant crimson velvet gown designed by Fiona Clare.
Her speech emphasised the importance of confronting tyrannical forces, describing the Ukrainian conflict as both “devastating and brutal”.
Queen Camilla hits out at ‘brutal’ Ukraine war and calls for ‘resolve to stand up to tyranny’
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The biennial ceremony recognised exceptional service within The Rifles, bringing together military personnel and dignitaries for the prestigious event.
The Queen drew historical parallels between today’s Ukrainian crisis and events from 170 years ago.
She noted that The Rifles’ predecessor units had fought alongside European partners in the same geographical area during the 1850s Crimean conflict.
“Only recently we marked the 80th anniversaries of both victory in Europe and victory over Japan,” she told the assembly.
Queen Camilla made the speech at the London Guildhall
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During those commemorations, she had spoken with surviving veterans who made an earnest request that pursuing peace should match the intensity with which military forces train for warfare.
“Let us hope, as our antecedents did then, that our resolve to stand up to tyranny in this same region can again find a resolution to another devastating and brutal war,” the Queen stated.
During her address, the Queen expressed gratitude to Major Ollie Plunket, her equerry, who has completed three years of service.
“I would like to say a huge thank you to Major Ollie Plunket, who has been my staunch equerry for the past three years,” she said, praising his exceptional performance in the role.
The Duchess of Edinburgh was also present at the dinner
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Major Rob Treasure from The Rifles will take over as the Queen’s next equerry.
The Thursday evening event saw attendance from several senior royals serving as the regiment’s Royal Colonels, including the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester and the Duchess of Edinburgh.
The Queen assumed her role as Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles in July 2020, taking over from the late Duke of Edinburgh.
Her appointment carries personal significance through her father, Major Bruce Shand, who passed away in 2006 at 89 years old.
Major Shand’s military career included service with the 7th Infantry Brigade, commonly known as the Desert Rats.
This renowned unit maintains strong ties with The Rifles, as two of the regiment’s battalions currently form part of the Desert Rats formation.
The family connection adds another dimension to the Queen’s commitment to the regiment and its ceremonial traditions.