4 days ago
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.
