King Charles showed off his shooting technique as he fired a gun during a visit to the home of the Royal Artillery in Wiltshire, earning praise from impressed officers
King Charles has earned praise from impressed military officers as he showcased his ‘faultless’ firing technique during a royal engagement. Charles paid a visit to the home of the Royal Artillery at Larkhill, Wiltshire, today for the first time since assuming the title of Captain General.
The King, who became ceremonial head of the regiment following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, was met with a 21-gun salute when he arrived and was greeted by Master Gunner, St James’s Park, Lieutenant-General Sir Andrew Gregory. The purpose of the King’s visit was to learn about the soldiers and their personal stories, as well as their gruelling training and the heritage of the Royal Regiment of Artillery.
Following the national anthem, Charles, who was wearing the number four tropical dress uniform, was invited into the officers’ dining room where he met with senior serving army personnel and veterans.
After mingling with military representatives, the King had a chance to see historical artefacts including the voluntary artillery officer full dress tunic uniform of his great-grandfather George V, to which he commented: “It’s lasted very well.”
During a tour of the grounds, King Charles was shown a number of high-tech equipment used by the soldiers, as he picked up one of the fixed-winged drones to gauge its weight as their use was being explained to him.
Many lucky personnel expressed their excitement over meeting the King, with Staff sergeant Bethan Preston-Newman, of the 104th Regiment based in Newport, Wales, saying: “It was a once-in-lifetime opportunity to meet the King and really nice to explain what the reserves do.”
Lance Bombardier Rebecca Haynes, also based in Newport, added: “It was a great honour to be here and represent the regiment.”
Lance Bombardier Alexandra Robinson, based in Worcester, said: “He is definitely interested in us as people and it’s definitely an honour to be here.” Charles was then invited to take the seated position of the L118 light gun to fire a single shot, which he gratefully accepted.
Assuming the position, the King then donned a pair of ear defenders and called “ready” before firing, seeming to visibly wince as he pulled the firing lever.
Sergeant Neil Mitchell, of 14 Regt, 34 Battery, praised the King’s firing technique at pulling the firing lever and said: “The first one he didn’t give it a good enough pull but the second time was faultless.” He added jokingly: “I was going to ask him if he could start on Monday.”
To celebrate his successful shot, Charles was presented with an engraved 105mm cartridge, before chatting to families who had gathered to meet him on the grounds.