Latest news with #Larkhill
Daily Mail
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Royal fans swoon over 'hot beret man' featured in King's Instagram post - after Charles shared snaps meeting soldiers
Royal fans have gushed over a 'hot' solider that's featured in King Charles ' latest Instagram post. The monarch, 76, met military officials and their families during a visit to the Royal Regiment of Artillery in Larkhill on Friday. After the visit, the Royal Family Instagram posted some snaps from the event, which saw Charles chatting away with soldiers clad in camo uniform. However, there was one man who stole the show on the social media post from royal enthusiasts. Sergeant Neil Mitchell, detachment commander and of 14 Regt, 34 Battery, was seen smiling in the background of one of the images wearing a green beret. The hat signifies when a commando has passed the All Arms Commando Course and has gone through rigorous training with the squad. Instagram users called Sgt Mitchell 'handsome' as they commented on his built physique and 'killer smile', indicating that he stole the show from Charles. One wrote: 'Are we not going to talk about the green beret guy in the first picture? Good heavens he's handsome!' Another penned: 'I mean, I do love the king, honestly, but my eyes went straight to the really muscly guy with the green beret and killer smile.' A third said: 'The photographer understood the assignment.' A fourth commented: 'I'm not British but I'll sing God Save the King ALL day for that gentleman in the first photo,' while another said: 'The King's hand is obscuring my view.' One person even claimed to be Sgt Mitchell's sister and wrote: 'Loving these comments! He's my brother, he's 46 and not single, sorry ladies.' The fans were reacting to a snap of Charles being gifted with an engraved 105mm Cartridge which was fired during Their Majesties' Coronation to mark the king's first visit as Captain General. When asked how King Charles performed when firing the gun, Sgt Mitchell told Forces News: 'He did awesome, yes. So we gave him a little run-through and then just to make sure he got it right and then when we went live, he nailed it. 'He was due to come a few months ago and that got postponed. So once we got told he was coming, and especially when I was told that I was going to be detachment commander and he was going to be firing my gun, what an honour, what an honour.' He also praised the King's firing technique at pulling the firing lever and said: 'The first one he didn't give it a good enough pull but the second time was faultless.' Sgt Mitchell added jokingly: 'I was going to ask him if he could start on Monday.' Images and videos of Charles and Sgt Mitchell emerged on Instagram, as the pair laughed together as he instructed the monarch on how to fire the gun. Charles was seen putting on a set of ear defenders as he sat in the firing seat and called 'ready' and visibly winced as he pulled the firing lever. He was seen grinning ear-to-ear as he successfully set off the artillery piece, before removing the noise-cancelling ear defenders. And this is not the first time a member of King Charles staff has gathered attention for their good looks. Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson, also known as the 'hot equerry', stole thousands of hearts at King Charles's Coronation in May 2023. He first entered the limelight in 2022 for his role in royal public events following the late Queen's death, and was nicknamed the 'hot equerry' after videos of him went viral online. Lieutenant Colonel Johnny Thompson stepped away from his public-facing role last year after reportedly disliking all the attention he was receiving But it was found that Colonel Thompson was married to a marketing manager called Caroline, whom he wed in 2010. But it was later revealed that he had quietly separated from his first wife, before finding love again with a PR executive named Olivia. The pair announced their engagement in 2024 before tying the knot last month at the quaint St Mary's Church in Great Bedwyn, Wiltshire. Colonel Thompson has regularly accompanied King Charles and joined the Royal Family on Christmas Day last year. However, the newlyweds have avoided the spotlight at all costs - with Colonel Thompson stepping away from his public-facing role last year after reportedly disliking all the attention he was receiving. During Friday's visit, the National Anthem was played before His Majesty was invited into the officers' mess where he met personnel including representatives from the newly formed King's Gurkha Artillery (KGA). In the dining room, the King had a chance to see historical artefacts including the voluntary artillery officer full dress tunic uniform of his great-grandfather George V. 'It's lasted very well,' he remarked. The King also had a chance to meet families of the service personnel and representatives of Chelsea Pensioners. On the grounds, the King was shown some of the high-tech equipment used by the soldiers including the L118 light gun, the Archer artillery system, a multiple launch rocket system and drones. Staff sergeant Bethan Preston-Newman, of the 104th Regiment based in Newport, Wales, said: 'It was a once-in-lifetime opportunity to meet the King and really nice to explain what the reserves do.' Lance Bombardier Rebecca Haynes, also based in Newport, added: 'It was a great honour to be here and represent the regiment' - while Lance Bombardier Alexandra Robinson, based in Worcester, said that 'he is definitely interested in us as people and it's definitely an honour to be her'.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Wiltshire in Pictures: A Royal visit to the county
It's been a busy week in Wiltshire including a royal visit, with the Royal Regiment of Artillery playing host to King Charles at its headquarters in Larkhill on Friday. There have been new beginnings in Salisbury, with a diesel locomotive being renamed in honour of the Royal Artillery and the first Canon Historian being installed at the cathedral. A new exhibition has opened at Lacock Abbey, a legal graffiti wall has been praised in Melksham and some rare nocturnal visitors have been spotted in a little-known woodland. Here is our weekly round-up showing life across the county this week. Royal visit: King Charles met soldiers and their families when he visited the Royal Regiment of Artillery HQ in Larkhill. All dressed up: Historian Tom Holland has become the first Canon Historian in an English cathedral He was installed in an Evensong service at Salisbury Cathedral on Monday, alongside Judith Davey Cole, Nigel Salisbury and Lucinda Herklots. Passionate: Hundreds of people gathered on Wednesday to lobby Swindon Borough Council and speak up for keeping the former golf course in Highworth as a green space rather than letting it be developed. A rare sight: One of England's rarest species, the Pine Marten, has been discovered living in a protected woodland. The animal was captured by a camera trap in RSPB Franchises Wood, on the Wiltshire-Hampshire border. The wood has been dubbed "the secret forest" due to its location and the fact it is not open to visitors. On show: Lacock Abbey is playing host to an exhibition of previously unseen photographs by the acclaimed photojournalist Werner Bischof. The exhibition began on 31 May and includes images of post-war Cologne and various character studies. Naming ceremony: A diesel locomotive has been rededicated in honour of a branch of the armed forces in a naming ceremony at Salisbury Railway station. The train, named The Royal Artilleryman, has just undergone a major overhaul and was unveiled with military personnel, Royal Artillery Association Members and an Honour Guard all in attendance. Creative outlet: Wiltshire Council say that the legal art wall in Melksham has proved to be a real success. The scheme, set up last September, has resulted in a reduction in vandalism in the town, whilst also offering a creative outlet for local artists. Well deserved: Members of the public have been recognised alongside police officers and staff for their bravery, courage, and dedication in the latest Wiltshire Police Force Awards ceremony. The event took place in Devizes on Wednesday, with awards being given out for public spiritedness, bravery and leadership. Follow BBC Wiltshire on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Wiltshire in Pictures: Shindig and crop circles Wiltshire in pics: Shindigs and a princess visit Wiltshire in Pictures: Stunning Salisbury blooms Wiltshire in Pictures: VE Day and bank holiday sun Wiltshire in Pictures: Sunshine and school success Wiltshire in Pictures: Flowers and Easter flames Wiltshire in pics: Magical murals and an Easter donkey Wiltshire in Pictures: Blossoms and celebrations Wiltshire in pictures: Sun, wonky roads and pigeons Wiltshire in Pictures: Let the music play Wiltshire in pics: Spring equinox and indoor moon Wiltshire in pics: cows, Crufts and challenges Wiltshire in pictures: Sunshine and Shrove Tuesday Wiltshire in pictures: Crocuses and a tiny newt Wiltshire in pictures: Bird life and art hunt Wiltshire in Pictures: Romance in the animal world Wiltshire in Pics: Football, floods and remembrance Wiltshire in Pictures: Tunnels, murals and sunrises Wiltshire in Pictures: Toothbrushes, tigers and barges Wiltshire in pictures: animals enjoying the snow Wiltshire in pictures: Cold snap brings frosty scenes Wiltshire in pictures: Presents, bats and meerkats Wiltshire in Pictures: Star Wars and 'Fudgehenge' Wiltshire in Pics: Prince William and Storm Bert Wiltshire in pictures: Remembrance and light shows Wiltshire in pictures: Royal visit and mason's award Wiltshire in pictures: Halloween and sacred stones Wiltshire in pictures: Daleks, bats and pigs Wiltshire in pictures: Welcoming the troops home In pictures: Dragons, cows and Jane Austen Wiltshire in pictures: Culture and murals Wiltshire in pictures: Spinal tattoos to air tattoos Wiltshire in pictures: Exotic animals and Stonehenge Wiltshire in pictures: Silhouettes and bras Wiltshire in pictures: Reunions, sunflowers and maize Wiltshire in pictures: New sports hub and wartime cakes
BBC News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Wiltshire in Pictures: King Charles visit and pine marten spotted
It's been a busy week in Wiltshire including a royal visit, with the Royal Regiment of Artillery playing host to King Charles at its headquarters in Larkhill on Friday. There have been new beginnings in Salisbury, with a diesel locomotive being renamed in honour of the Royal Artillery and the first Canon Historian being installed at the cathedral.A new exhibition has opened at Lacock Abbey, a legal graffiti wall has been praised in Melksham and some rare nocturnal visitors have been spotted in a little-known woodland. Here is our weekly round-up showing life across the county this week. Royal visit: King Charles met soldiers and their families when he visited the Royal Regiment of Artillery HQ in Larkhill. All dressed up: Historian Tom Holland has become the first Canon Historian in an English cathedral He was installed in an Evensong service at Salisbury Cathedral on Monday, alongside Judith Davey Cole, Nigel Salisbury and Lucinda Herklots. Passionate: Hundreds of people gathered on Wednesday to lobby Swindon Borough Council and speak up for keeping the former golf course in Highworth as a green space rather than letting it be developed. A rare sight: One of England's rarest species, the Pine Marten, has been discovered living in a protected woodland. The animal was captured by a camera trap in RSPB Franchises Wood, on the Wiltshire-Hampshire border. The wood has been dubbed "the secret forest" due to its location and the fact it is not open to visitors. On show: Lacock Abbey is playing host to an exhibition of previously unseen photographs by the acclaimed photojournalist Werner Bischof. The exhibition began on 31 May and includes images of post-war Cologne and various character studies. Naming ceremony: A diesel locomotive has been rededicated in honour of a branch of the armed forces in a naming ceremony at Salisbury Railway station. The train, named The Royal Artilleryman, has just undergone a major overhaul and was unveiled with military personnel, Royal Artillery Association Members and an Honour Guard all in attendance. Creative outlet: Wiltshire Council say that the legal art wall in Melksham has proved to be a real success. The scheme, set up last September, has resulted in a reduction in vandalism in the town, whilst also offering a creative outlet for local artists. Well deserved: Members of the public have been recognised alongside police officers and staff for their bravery, courage, and dedication in the latest Wiltshire Police Force Awards ceremony. The event took place in Devizes on Wednesday, with awards being given out for public spiritedness, bravery and leadership.
Telegraph
4 days ago
- General
- Telegraph
King shows ‘faultless technique' firing artillery gun
The King has been praised for his 'faultless' technique as he fired an artillery gun during a visit to the home of the Royal Artillery. He was met with a 21-gun salute as he arrived at the headquarters of the Royal Regiment of Artillery at Larkhill, Wiltshire, in his first visit since assuming the title of Captain General. The King, who became the ceremonial head of the regiment following the death of Queen Elizabeth II, received the royal salute as he was met by Lieutenant-General Sir Andrew Gregory, who is also Master Gunner, St James's Park. Following the national anthem, King Charles, wearing the number four tropical dress uniform, was invited into the officers' mess where he met personnel, including representatives from the newly formed King's Gurkha Artillery (KGA). In the dining room, the King had a chance to see historical artefacts, including the voluntary artillery officer uniform of his great-grandfather, King George V, and commented: 'It's lasted very well.' He also had a chance to meet families of the service personnel and representatives of Chelsea Pensioners, a retirement home for British Army veterans. On the grounds, the King was shown some of the high-tech equipment used by the soldiers, including the L118 light gun, the Archer artillery system, a multiple launch rocket system and drones. He picked up one of the fixed-winged drones to gauge its weight as members of the regiment explained its use to him. The monarch also met representatives of the reserves as he was informed about the different roles within the Royal Artillery. Bethan Preston-Newman, staff sergeant of the 104th Regiment based in Newport, Wales, said: 'It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet the King, and really nice to explain what the reserves do.' Lance Bombardier Rebecca Haynes, also based in Newport, said: 'It was a great honour to be here and represent the regiment.' Lance Bombardier Alexandra Robinson, based in Worcester, said: 'He is definitely interested in us as people, and it's definitely an honour to be here.' King Charles then accepted an invitation to take the seated position of the L118 light gun to fire a single shot. He put on a set of ear defenders as he sat in the firing seat and called 'ready', wincing as he pulled the firing lever. Sgt Neil Mitchell, of 14 Regiment, 34 Battery, praised the King's shooting technique and said: 'The first one he didn't give it a good enough pull but the second time was faultless.' He added jokingly: 'I was going to ask him if he could start on Monday.' The King was then presented with an engraved 105mm cartridge. Before his departure, he chatted to some of the families that had gathered to meet him.
