Latest news with #TheRoyalWelsh
ITV News
19-07-2025
- Sport
- ITV News
Alun Wyn Jones appointed to military role by King Charles III
Alun Wyn Jones OBE has been appointed as Honorary Colonel of 3rd Battalion, The Royal Welsh, by King Charles III. The former Wales and British and Irish Lions captain is the most capped rugby player in history, with 170 caps for appearances between 2006 and 2023. He became Wales' 129th captain when he led the side against Italy in the Six Nations tournament in 2009 and is one of only four players to have been selected on four British and Irish Lions tours, achieving 12 caps between 2009 and 2021. In his new role, the Welsh rugby legend will serve as an ambassador for Wales, taking over the position from Brigadier Russ Wardle OBE DL, the former head of the Army in Wales. Alun Wyn Jones, who will wear military uniform in this role, said he was "hugely flattered and humbled", but also "a little apprehensive." 'Having played in our great stadium and seeing the men and women in uniform holding our national flag, it was always a significant and poignant symbol of the history and connection to the military in Wales,' he said. 'There was also the iconic Royal Welsh Band serving to provide acoustics in the stadium, which is something that I enjoyed as much as a player as I continue to do now as a fan. 'My apprehension was borne out of the responsibility felt while wearing the red jersey and all that comes with representing our nation. 'Learning more about the history of The Royal Welsh, particularly Sir Tasker Watkins who served in the Welch Regiment and his heroism and commitment to Wales and Welsh rugby, made it something I couldn't turn down.' He added that he is looking forward to learning more about 3 Royal Welsh and to share his experience of leadership in sport and of leaving one career and moving into another. 'The fact that personnel serving with 3rd Battalion also have day jobs also sparked an awareness that Reservists are all around us in civilian life,' he said. 'Yes, the uniform I'll wear in this role will be very different to what I'm used to, but one I will be equally proud to wear as any jersey in my playing career and represent 3 Royal Welsh and Wales.' Colonel of the Regiment, Major General Chris Barry CBE, added: 'I am proud to welcome Alun Wyn Jones to the Regimental family as the Honorary Colonel of 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh – a position that has been personally approved by our Colonel in Chief, King Charles III. 'It is an honour for us to bring into the fold a true Welsh warrior, who has served and led the national rugby team of Wales and The British and Irish Lions and the most capped rugby player in history. 'We now look forward to building a long-lasting, two-way relationship between our 3rd Battalion and Alun Wyn Jones. 'The Regimental Headquarters, on behalf of all ranks of The Royal Welsh, would like to thank the outgoing Honorary Colonel of 3 Royal Welsh, Brigadier Russ Wardle OBE DL, for more than 11 years of outstanding leadership and service to the Regimental family. We wish him all the very best for the future.'
Wales Online
01-06-2025
- General
- Wales Online
Thousands join celebrations to mark Bangor's 1,500th anniversary
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Bangor city centre was a sea of flags and cheers as thousands of residents and visitors lined the streets to witness a grand military parade. It was a highlight of the city's 1,500th anniversary celebrations. The event gathered service personnel, veterans, cadets, and community groups, showcasing a vibrant display of civic pride and heritage. An impressive range of regimental units marched through the streets. Sign up now for the latest news on the North Wales Live Whatsapp community Troops came from The Royal Welsh, the Welsh Guards, RAF Valley, and 106 Squadron medical reservists. (Image: UGC) They were joined by the renowned British Army Band from Catterick, who gave a rousing performance as the parade filed through the streets of Bangor. Veterans and more than 100 cadets, some travelling from as far as Birkenhead and South Shropshire, participated in the impressive procession, demonstrating the broad support for the city's historic milestone. Dr Martin Hanks, Bangor City Director, expressed his gratitude to the community: 'We were thrilled to see such an incredible turnout for the military parade. It was a powerful reminder of Bangor's enduring spirit and the pride we all share in our city's remarkable history. (Image: UGC) "Thank you to everyone who came out to support this event. This is just one of many events planned throughout 2025 to mark our 1,500th anniversary. "We encourage everyone to join us in the coming months as we continue to celebrate Bangor's rich heritage and vibrant community.' The parade is part of a year-long programme of events organised by Bangor City Council in collaboration with local organisations, schools, and community groups. * Other events to mark Bangor's 1,500th anniversary this year will include the Bangor Summer Festival, History Festival, artistic performances, and a spectacular firework display, all designed to honour the city's past, present and future.
North Wales Live
31-05-2025
- General
- North Wales Live
Thousands join celebrations to mark Bangor's 1,500th anniversary
Bangor city centre was a sea of flags and cheers as thousands of residents and visitors lined the streets to witness a grand military parade. It was a highlight of the city's 1,500th anniversary celebrations. The event gathered service personnel, veterans, cadets, and community groups, showcasing a vibrant display of civic pride and heritage. Led proudly by Shenkin IV, the iconic goat mascot of the 1st Battalion, The Royal Welsh, the parade showcased an impressive array of regimental units. Guest of honour was Betty Roberts, aged 101, who played a vital role in the RAF communications in WWII. Others in Thursday's parade included troops from The Royal Welsh, the Welsh Guards, RAF Valley, and 106 Squadron medical reservists. They were joined by the renowned British Army Band from Catterick, who gave a rousing performance as the parade marched through the streets of Bangor. Veterans and more than 100 cadets, some travelling from as far as Birkenhead and South Shropshire, participated in the impressive procession, demonstrating the broad support for the city's historic milestone. Dr Martin Hanks, Bangor City Director, expressed his gratitude to the community: 'We were thrilled to see such an incredible turnout for the military parade. It was a powerful reminder of Bangor's enduring spirit and the pride we all share in our city's remarkable history. "Thank you to everyone who came out to support this event. This is just one of many events planned throughout 2025 to mark our 1,500th anniversary. "We encourage everyone to join us in the coming months as we continue to celebrate Bangor's rich heritage and vibrant community.' The parade is part of a year-long programme of events organised by Bangor City Council in collaboration with local organisations, schools, and community groups. Betty Roberts, who celebrated her 101st birthday this month, represents a living link to the city's wartime past. Enlisting in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) in 1943, Betty served as a teleprinter operator at RAF Blackbrook during the Second World War, where she played a vital role in the RAF's communications network. After the war, she married High-Speed Telegraphist Joe Roberts and settled in Bangor, where she has remained a cherished member of the community ever since. Betty recently reflected on VE Day and her wartime service, saying: 'I never imagined the messages I typed would have such importance. We were just doing our duty.' Her quiet bravery and long-standing ties to Bangor made her the perfect guest of honour. * Other events to mark Bangor's 1,500th anniversary this year will include the Bangor Summer Festival, History Festival, artistic performances, and a spectacular firework display, all designed to honour the city's past, present and future.
