Prince William has joined the Welsh Guards for their Christmas Party at their barracks in Windsor.
The Prince of Wales helped serve the festive dinner and spent time with the members of the First Battalion.
William serves as the regiment’s colonel, and last officially visited them in November 2024 on Salisbury Plain.
During the private visit, the future king spoke to the members of the junior ranks in the Sergeants’ Mess, hearing about what they had been up to since he last saw them.
Prince William joined the Welsh Guards for their Christmas party
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FILCKR / KENSINGTONROYAL
The Prince of Wales had time to spare a festive drink or two at the party.
During his previous official visit in November last year, William received briefings on the regiment’s current activities and witnessed personnel conducting specialist training exercises.
The visit marked a significant shift for the battalion as they refocused on developing their combat capabilities following two years of high-profile ceremonial duties.
The Welsh Guards have played pivotal roles in several historic royal ceremonies over the past three years.
The Prince of Wales serves as the Welsh Guards’ Colonel
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FILCKR / KENSINGTONROYAL
The regiment was instrumental in Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth’s funeral proceedings and participated in King Charles III’s Coronation.
They also had the honour of Trooping their Colour at His Majesty’s first Birthday Parade in 2023.
Beyond ceremonial duties, the battalion has maintained an active military presence, conducting overseas operations in both the Falkland Islands and Oman.
The Welsh Guards have been focused on rebuilding their specialist weapons capabilities through intensive training programmes.
The prince had time to spare a festive drink or two
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FILCKR / KENSINGTONROYAL
During his previous visit, the prince observed live firing exercises featuring various weapon systems, including sniper rifles and General Purpose Machine Guns.
The regiment has been incorporating modern technology, utilising Small Uncrewed Aerial Systems (sUAS drones) to enhance battlefield awareness.
William concluded his visit by meeting with specialist platoons to discuss their roles and experiences transitioning back from ceremonial duties to combat operations.
The Prince of Wales was busy in action yesterday, bestowing a series of honours upon prominent individuals.
William shared a laugh with the Welsh Guards
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FILCKR / KENSINGTONROYAL
These included Adjoa Andoh, who was being celebrated for her portrayal of the formidable Lady Danbury in Netflix’s hugely successful period drama Bridgerton,
She was awarded an MBE by the prince at Windsor Castle.
The Who frontman, Sir Roger Daltrey, was made a knight at the age of 81.
Former world number one darts player Luke Humphries was also awarded an MBE ahead of the World Darts Championship.
