Unearthed photos of King Charles back in his Royal Navy days have been released to commemorate his visit to the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) at Lympstone in Devon. He visited the unit on Friday, November 15, the day after his 76th birthday.
Back in 1974, whilst serving with 845 Naval Air Squadron, His Majesty undertook commando training with the Royal Marines at CTCRM. And now, the Royal Navy and Buckingham Palace have released pictures from 50 years ago showing the then prince partaking in his green beret training.
During his visit the king spent time with Royal Marine trainees and instructors, as well as families and veterans of the Corps, after presenting he King’s Badge and a Green Beret to the best all-round member of the King’s Squad on completion of their Commando Training.
The Royal Family report that the Royal Marines are the amphibious troops of the Royal Navy, acknowledged as one of the world’s elite commando forces.
The Commando Training Centre is the primary training centre for the Royal Marines, divided into three training wings (Command Wing, Commando Training Wing and Specialist Training Wing) each with its own Commanding Officer. On average, 1,300 recruits, 2,000 potential recruits and 400 potential Officers attend training courses every year.
The King holds the title Captain General Royal Marines and is the Ceremonial Head of the Royal Marines, assuming the role in October 2022. The role was previously held by the late Duke of Edinburgh, His Majesty’s Grandfather King George VI and Great Grandfather King George V who, in 1918, designated that the senior training squad should be known as the King’ Squad and the best all-round recruit awarded the King’s Badge.
During his time at the centre, His Majesty presented the King’s Badge – the first time a king has presented the badge since King George VI in 1939 – and a Green Beret to the best all-round member of the King’s Squad on completion of their Commando Training.
At the Tarzan Assault Course, the king saw recruits completing one of the four gruelling Commando Tests which qualify them to wear the esteemed Green Beret. His Majesty also returned to some of the facilities where he trained as a helicopter pilot.
Addressing recruits, the king said: “As history has demonstrated, the Royal Marines have continued to remain at the very heart of our Nation’s defence, standing steadfast at the vanguard of change. Today marks not just the end of your rigorous Commando training, with which I am all too familiar! – culminating in the presentation of your Green Berets, but also the beginning of your service in one of the most formidable and revered forces in the world.”
In his full speech, King Charles said: “Ladies, Gentlemen, and Royal Marines of 362 Troop, The King’s Squad.
“It has been a remarkable eighty-five years since my grandfather, King George VI, presented the King’s Badge to the best recruit in the King’s Squad, and I am so very pleased and proud to be able to do the same here today, and in this, the 360th Birthday year of the Royal Marines. As a celebration of this most momentous anniversary, I am delighted to announce that forthwith the Royal Marines Sword of Honour will be called The King’s Sword, and the Royal Marine of the Year will be renamed The King’s Royal Marine of the Year.”
He added: “As history has demonstrated, the Royal Marines have continued to remain at the very heart of our Nation’s defence, standing steadfast at the vanguard of change. Today marks not just the end of your rigorous Commando training, with which I am all too familiar! – culminating in the presentation of your Green Berets, but also the beginning of your service in one of the most formidable and revered forces in the world.
“From amphibious operations to extreme climates, you are joining a specialist Service that has long been devoted to preserving and pioneering our Nation’s military strength, alongside our allies and partners at home and abroad. It is this operational excellence, underpinned by your unique skillset and training, which will ensure that all of you, as Royal Marines, will help to perpetuate our peace and freedom, both now and in the future.
“As your Captain General, I can only express my pride in each and every one of you, together with my admiration for passing such a demanding course.
“Above all, I wish you every possible success and good fortune as you embark on your future service to our Nation, during which I feel sure you will have a “hoofing” time in your respective units! We are fortunate indeed to be able to rely on you – as well as on those families here today who so loyally support you.
“Per Mare Per Terram (By Sea, By Land)”
