Page 35 - Bugle Issue 18 Auntumn 2021

5 RIFLES
Having taken over as Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles from Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, in July 2020 the Duchess of Cornwall visited Fifth Battalion The Rifles for the first time
in early May. Upon arrival in Bulford she met Lord Lieutenant of Wiltshire Sarah Troughton and Lieutenant Colonel Hadfield, Commanding Officer of the battalion. The Duchess awarded Long Service and Good Conduct Medals to WO2 Hudson, WO2 Illes, CSjt Pidsley, Sjt Reay and LCpl Whale. She also oversaw the changing of Regimental Serjeant Major, as WO1 Edwards was promoted to Captain and WO2 Sweet was promoted to WO1 (RSM).
The visit also offered the Duchess the chance to thank the Battalion for their tour of Estonia on Op CABRIT 7 and to talk to Riflemen and their families who had spent the last six months apart during the challenging recent times. She said “I know it was very chal- lenging, I also wanted to particularly thank
all your families, your partners, for keeping the home fires burning while you were away and doing such a fantastic job keeping the morale up.”
While the Duchess of Cornwall has been Royal Colonel of 4 RIFLES since its formation in 2007, Prince Philip handed over the role
of Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiment to the Duchess in July 2020, and this was her first visit to a Battalion since his death in April 2021. The Duchess was moved to have the chance to thank some members of the Battalion who played a role at Windsor Castle for the Duke
of Edinburgh’s funeral, saying to CSjt Wiredu “you all looked perfect. I felt very proud to
be part of it.”
Following her appointment the Duchess intends to visit all RIFLES battalions. Summed up by Lt Col Hadfield “It means
a huge amount to us for you to visit your Regiment, it has been an absolute honour to have you with us today.”
Capt Hunt, Intelligence Officer
Lt Col Hadfield MBE welcomes
the Duchess of Cornwall to Bulford
I also wanted to particularly thank all your families, your partners, for keeping the home fires burning while you were away
The Duchess of Cornwall meets
CSjt Wiredu, part of the Guard of Honour
for the Duke of Edinburgh’s funeral
The Duchess of Cornwall
awards CSjt Pidsley his LS&GC
RIFLES The Bugle 35
DUCHESS OF
CORNWALL VISITS FOR FIRST TIME AS COLONEL-IN-CHIEF