Queen Camilla visited the Royal Lancers on April 22, 2024, making her first appearance as Colonel-in-Chief of the British Army regiment. Her late father, Major Bruce Shand, served with the 12th Lancers during World War II, adding a sentimental connection to the role. Her outfit paid tribute to the regiment’s military uniform, with a navy blue dress, red collar, gold buttons, and a red beret with feathers. Queen Elizabeth previously held the position of Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Lancers and was closely associated with the reconnaissance regiment.
During her visit, Queen Camilla was welcomed with a military salute, inspected 152 soldiers on parade, and gave a speech in which she quoted her father’s memoir about his time with the Lancers. She emphasized the family spirit and camaraderie of the regiment as they prepared for operational tours to Poland, Kosovo, and Cyprus. Queen Camilla presented five Buchan Medals to serving and retired Lancers, recognizing their contributions to the regiment’s efficiency and honor. She also met with author Major (Retd) Phil Watson to discuss his book about the 12th Lancers’ involvement in the Dunkirk withdrawal in 1940.
Queen Camilla’s father, Major Bruce Shand, was awarded a Military Cross for his bravery in battle during World War II. She viewed his tunic, a photo of him with veteran Royal Lancers, and wrote the foreword to Major Watson’s book. The visit to the Royal Lancers was a special opportunity for Queen Camilla to connect with her father’s legacy and honor his service to the regiment. She concluded her speech by wishing the Lancers success and safety on their upcoming deployments and receiving a march past of past and present armored vehicles.
As Queen Camilla continues her royal duties, she has been a source of strength for her husband, King Charles, who is undergoing cancer treatment. The couple attended church on what would have been the late Queen Elizabeth’s 98th birthday, with Queen Camilla supporting King Charles during this challenging time. Queen Camilla’s presence and dedication to her royal responsibilities demonstrate her commitment to serving the royal family. The visit to the Royal Lancers allowed her to honor her father’s memory and connect with the regiment’s history and traditions.
