Today, we are sending our best wishes to King Charles III and Queen Camilla for their Coronation. The celebrations will involve thousands of military families as our little troopers’ mums and dads take part in the day. 

Louise, founder of our charity said, “Today is such a special day for the whole Armed Forces community. The King and the Royal Family have always been incredibly supportive of our troops and their families. Today, our Armed Forces will show their appreciation for our new King and Commander-in-Chief on parade. The Coronation is a historic event, but it is also a day of immense pride for all the families who have someone involved.”

The King became Commander-in-Chief of the UK Armed Forces following the Death of Queen Elizabeth II in September last year. However, his connection with the Armed Forces goes back over 50 years. 

The King and the Armed Forces

He served in both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy. In March 1971, the King – then known as Prince Charles went to RAF Cranwell in Lincolnshire to train as a jet pilot. Later that year he embarked on a career in the Royal Navy, just like his father.

He trained in Dartmouth and served on HMS Norfolk HMS Minerva and HMS Jupiter. In 1974 he qualified as a helicopter pilot and flew Wessex helicopters with 845 Naval Air Squadron from the commando aircraft carrier HMS Hermes. His last posting was in 1976, when he took command of HMS Bronington.

His connection with the Armed Forces and their families continued as he took on various senior ranks and honorary positions. In 2012, Queen Elizabeth II awarded him the highest rank in all three services – Field Marshal, Admiral of the Fleet and Marshal of the Royal Air Force, positions which he also holds in New Zealand. More recently he became Captain General Royal Marines.

Best Wishes

Louise added, “At Little Troopers we just wanted to send our best wishes to The King and Queen for the Coronation and their reign.”