King Charles gave a keynote speech during his final royal engagement when he returned to Britannia Royal Naval College in Dartmouth on Friday 19 December.
The 77-year-old gave a powerful speech to teach graduating officers an important lesson in leadership at the Lord High Admiral’s Divisions parade.
The monarch became emotional when he told the assembled cadets: “It has been some 54 years since I was where you are, as part of the Blake Division.”
In his defiant speech, after celebrating the fainted, the monarch said: “Leadership is a matter of character!”
Encourage future leaders to serve the nation with distinction by achieving the highest standards.
The royal family posted photos of the monarch with his moving words, writing: “You are all imbued with the same drive, determination and fighting spirit that has led your ancestors to victory. I can only wish each of you every possible success and good fortune…”
During the visit, the King inspected troops and officers from the Commonwealth and other countries, including Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
He himself joined Dartmouth more than 50 years ago, on September 16, 1971, as a member of the Blake Division.
William and Harry’s father recalled numerous memories from his training days, particularly sailing picket boats along the River Dart while learning to avoid collisions with enthusiastic yacht owners.
As a graduate student, he spent six weeks at Dartmouth, learning about leadership, navigation, and the customs of the Royal Navy.
The royal family has very close ties to the college and the king’s father, grandfather and great-grandfather all spent time at Dartmouth.
