His Majesty The King has marked the commissioning of nearly 200 junior officers at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, returning to the institution where he began his own naval career almost 55 years ago, according to a Navy News update.
The King inspected ranks during the Lord High Admiral’s Divisions, a ceremony that formally concludes 29 weeks of initial officer training. The parade included cadets from the UK and allied nations, with future officers from the Bahamas, Kuwait, Malta, Oman, Qatar and the UAE among those on the parade ground.
A flypast by DA20 Falcons opened the visit before His Majesty consecrated new Colours, a silk White Ensign bearing the King’s Cypher, which will now be carried by the College. He later spent time with the Royal Marines Band, who performed a newly commissioned march, Lead With Courage, written for the College’s 120th anniversary.
Addressing graduates, families and staff, he highlighted the demands placed on those supporting serving personnel. “I can only say how profoundly grateful I am for the sacrifices and contributions they have made, and will make, to your, and therefore the Navy’s, success. Their support will be essential to every one of you as you embark on a life of service.”
Awards were presented to four officers. Sub Lieutenant Krish Hook received the King’s Sword as the top junior officer across the past year’s intakes, with Sub Lieutenants Jonathan Lavery and Toby Runyard collecting the King’s Telescopes. Sub Lieutenant Molly Edmunds was awarded the Britannia Association Sword for embodying Royal Navy values.
First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins used the occasion to underline operational expectations. “You inherit a proud tradition of operational excellence. In an era of global uncertainty, our strength lies in leaders who can fight and win. Be that exceptional leader, decisive, resilient, and unwavering in service.”
Newly commissioned officers described a mix of challenge and opportunity. Edward Coombs, a former City consultant and Army reservist now qualifying as a marine engineer, said training offered “never a dull moment”. Midshipman Denholm Coxhill highlighted first deployment experience in the Falklands as an insight into service life. Rory Gillies, from Portsmouth, said he chose the Navy for its pace and purpose, describing it as a career “like no other”.
Captain Andy Bray, Captain BRNC, said the royal presence elevated the moment for those graduating. “The presence of His Majesty The King at the passing-out parade makes this already momentous day truly historic. On behalf of the College and the Royal Navy, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all passing out.”
BZ to all those newly commissioned.
Interesting that the BRNC commissioning course is 29 weeks, yet the Sandhurst course is 44 weeks (but was about 28/29 weeks when I did it in 1975).
I wonder why the significant difference?
Wuperts need to be taught to March about like Woodentops and eat with posh forks