Since December 2022, Princess Kate (41) has been given another responsible task: she has received the honorary title of Colonel of the 1st Battalion of the Irish Guards and has since replaced her husband Prince William (40), who previously held this office. In her new role, Kate has now paid a visit to the soldiers for the first time, exchanging designer clothes for military uniforms and helping out with full enthusiasm.
In wintry weather and freezing temperatures, she witnessed a simulated rescue operation at a military training area called the Salisbury Plain Training Area. The exercise involved taking care of an injured soldier in the open field and providing first aid – pictures and videos show that Princess Kate actively lent a hand. But she also inspected heavy combat equipment together with the soldiers with interest and dutifulness, as further recordings show.
The newly appointed King Charles III. had redistributed various military titles in the past year. King’s wife Camilla (75) became Colonel in the Grenadier Guards, replacing the disgraced Prince Andrew (63). Prince William had received the title of colonol in the Welsh Guards when the Irish Guards were handed over to his wife, which his father previously held.
The letter from that time also stated that there would be no changes to existing Colonel titles from other regiments. Princess Anne (72) remained Colonel of the Blue and Royals and Prince Edward (58) that of the Scots Guards. The Life Guards and Coldstream Guards, meanwhile, continue to be led by Lieutenant General Sir Ed Smyth-Osbourne and Lieutenant General Sir James Bucknall, respectively.
