Kate Middletonjust had another royal first!
The QDG was formed in 1959 from the amalgamation of the two senior Cavalry regiments, 1st King’s Dragoon Guards and the Queen’s Bays. The QDG specializes in reconnaissance: the art of seeking out the enemy and understanding how they operate. They’ve moved all over the world, most recently deployed to Mali as part of a peacekeeping operation.
Chris Radburn - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Princess Kate sported a camouflage coat and helmet during her visit. She adorned her camo outfit (as well as her blazer and turtleneck inside) with ared poppy pin. The symbol has been used since 1921 to commemorate military members who have died in war, and members of the royal family sport the accessory in November as Remembrance Day approaches.
Corporal Darreyl Tukana that the royal was a “natural” at driving an armored vehicle, according toThe Telegraph.
“She drives a Land Rover back at home – I told her it’s exactly the same, just take it slowly and go back to where we started off from,” Tukana said. “She was enjoying every bit of the journey itself. It’s different from what she’s driving, it’s a bigger vehicle.”
Kate Middleton visits the Queen’s Dragoon Guards on Nov. 8, 2023.Chris Radburn - WPA Pool/Getty Images
Princess Kate reportedly noted, “It’s very responsive actually, given the size of the thing.”
The Princess of Wales received a brief from the regiment’s senior officers and got a chance to experience elements of operational life for service personnel, from seeing how the teams communicate with radios to learning about their utilization of reconnaissance drones — even trying the task out for herself!
Kate Middleton flies a drone visiting the Queen’s Dragoon Guards on Nov. 8, 2023.Chris Radburn - WPA Pool/Getty Images
She also met with families of QDG personnel to hear about their experiences, including learning about the welfare support they receive.
The Telegraphreported that the royal spoke with Kate Ormston, whose husband Staff Sergeant Paul Ormston, and their two children.
Ormston said, “She asked about army life and my husband being deployed, and just generally, she was just really down to earth and friendly.
“She spoke to everyone individually, she introduced herself to the children and asked their names and ages, which was really nice,” Ormston continued. “I think they were a little bit overwhelmed as well.”
Kate also took a moment to pay tribute to those the QDG have lost in active service ahead of Remembrance Day.
Princess Kate also took on the task of handing out some awards, including long service and good conduct medals to a number of men and women in the regiment. And there was also a promotion to attend to: Kate formally promoted the regiment’s mascot, a Bay Welsh mountain pony called Trooper Longface Emrys Jones, from “Lance Corporal” to “Corporal.”
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The Princess of Wales' solo outing comes as her husband,Prince William, finishes thistrip to Singapore. In addition to attending thethird Earthshot Prize awards ceremony, the Prince of Wales also spoke at the United for Wildlife summit during his visit to Asia.
Kate Middleton promotes a pony mascot of the Queen’s Dragoon Guards on Nov. 8, 2023.CHRIS RADBURN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
CHRIS RADBURN/POOL/AFP via Getty Images
During the address, heshared why his wife didn’t make the trip: their eldest sonPrince George’s schooling.
“Catherine is very sorry she can’t be here,” said William, 41. “She is helping George through his first set of major exams.”
The Prince and Princess of Walesdidn’t attend the historic event. It’s not required for the heir to the throne to attend the State Opening of Parliament, but King Charles accompanied his mother,Queen Elizabeth, several times throughout her reign. He attended for the first time in 1970.
In May 2022, Prince William was present at the State Opening of Parliament for the first time as Queen Elizabeth missed the event due to her mobility issues, but Princess Kate has not yet attended the State Opening of Parliament.
Kate Middleton drives an armored vehicle at the Queen’s Dragoon Guards on Nov. 8, 2023.Chris Radburn - WPA Pool/Getty Images
“Charles is leading the way for them already, and [William and Kate] are both involved in decision-making behind the scenes. They are ready and willing to do the job — and Kate is very much a part of that,” a friend of the princesspreviously told PEOPLE.
source: people.com
