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On Thursday, 14th December, The Prince of Wales visited the Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth, Devon, to attend The Lord High Admiral’s Divisions. There, he took the royal salute during the Passing Out Parade, where more than 100 Royal Naval Cadets graduated after 29 weeks of training.
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During Prince William’s speech after taking the salute, he referenced the sweet story of how his grandmother met Prince Philip when they were teenagers, saying, “Whilst my own Passing Out Parade was at Sandhurst, Britannia Royal Naval College still holds a very special place in my heart. It is well known that my grandmother and grandfather met here, while my great-grandfather, King George VI, was conducting these very duties.”
He continued his speech, saying, “I fully appreciate that standing here in these beautiful and peaceful surroundings, the risks of leadership on the front line might seem a world away, but you will shortly be marching through these doors behind me because you are trained, and ready to take the next step on your journeys as Naval Officers.” Prince William also acknowledged the families and friends of the graduating cadets, as well as viewers watching online, saying, “To the families and friends gathered here and watching online — thank you for your support and understanding to get these brilliant men and women this far, and even more so for the empathy, compromise, and dedication that will be required to give these Young Officers every chance of success in their careers.”
To conclude his speech, he thanked Naval Officers, saying, “Finally to you, our newest Naval Officers, congratulations. I wish you every success as you embark on this incredible journey of duty and service to our Nation; thank you.”
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Following this, whilst walking to the historic Quarter Deck, Prince William passed two large portraits portraying Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip that hang at the college. There, he later met with staff and cadets, including those who took part in the parade and their instructors. Seen to the right of Prince William is Captain Sarah Oakley, Captain at the Britannia Royal Naval College, who accompanied him throughout the day.
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The Lord Lieutenant of Devon, David Fursdon, who can be seen behind Captain Sarah Oakley, was also in attendance, who also accompanied His Royal Highness during the visit.
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Prince William himself undertook a naval training course at the Britannia Royal Naval College in 2008, as part of his all-round military education that saw him also do stints with the British Army and Royal Air Force. His Royal Highness was last seen in naval dress when he visited HMNB Clyde naval base in Faslane, Scotland, in October 2010. However, this is the first time Prince William has worn the more formal Royal Navy uniform. The Prince of Wales’ uniform was adorned with two pins on his shoulder, the cyphers of King Charles and Queen Elizabeth. The emblems signify Prince William’s roles as an aide-de-camp to his grandmother and his father during their reigns.
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