King Charles had a busy day today, meeting military families and troops on a visit to a West Sussex barracks. The monarch flaunted his skills and had a go at handling an air defence missile with troops saying he could “pass” the test of using the machinery, as they huddled with him under a camouflage net with drones flying overhead at Baker Barracks on Thorney Island.
The King was able to look through the aiming unit of the launcher, which, when fired by an operator, would take approximately four seconds to destroy an enemy target. Charles’s interest in how the forces deal with modern threats was praised by onlookers following his visit.
Here, the Daily Express takes a look at some of the King’s best moments from today.
As Captain General of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, also known as the Gunners, Charles made his first visit to the 7th Air Defence Group Royal Artillery units at the military site on Thursday. He arrived shortly after 1pm by helicopter, wearing a suit and regimental tie and pin, and was greeted by a 21-gun salute by the 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery, who fired seven rounds each.
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Families, nursery and school children at the barracks also lined up to watch the military welcome. Charles spoke to military service personnel based in Saudi Arabia, Estonia, Cyprus and the Falklands via video link in the Junior Ranks' Restaurant, which he officially opened on Thursday, as their families watched. Some of the troops abroad said they were looking forward to coming home soon, to which Charles said: “It won't be long hopefully.”
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The daughter of Sergeant Jack Harding based in the Falkands, Poppy, aged five, handed the King a letter after he spoke to the overseas soldiers. Poppy's mother and Sergeant Harding's wife, Charley Harding, said the letter said how incredible the opportunity is and how the children would love a reply to add to their memory boxes. She added: “And that actually the royal family are a great support to the military. ”
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