King Charles III (74) attended a military training camp in Wiltshire, south-west England. He was given a very special reception. Charles received a traditional Maori greeting from a New Zealander associated with the camp. The forehead and nose are pressed together.
This greeting is called Hongi and is a traditional greeting ritual of the indigenous people of New Zealand. Roughly translated, it means “shared breath”. Nose and forehead are pressed together so that one can feel each other’s breath.
At the training camp, Ukrainian soldiers will receive five weeks of basic training from British and other partner forces before returning to combat in their country, which was invaded by Russian troops about a year ago. The king was accompanied by the head of the British army, General Sir Patrick Sanders (56). Charles praised the “amazing” soldiers as he watched them storm a mock trench and engage in a firefight. “I don’t know how you do it. I’m full of admiration,” the 74-year-old told an officer, according to the BBC.
He also took the time to talk to the Ukrainians. One soldier told the BBC: “It’s an incredible feeling to be in the presence of His Majesty.” Another said the king asked him how the training was going. “And cared about the welfare of our families and wives.”
The Ukrainian recruits receive training in basic skills such as medical care and weapons handling. Many are civilians with no military experience. Around 10,000 soldiers have been trained in the UK since last summer, with more to follow.
