King Charles arrived by helicopter at Baker Barracks on Thorney Island for a historic visit to the Royal Regiment of Artillery on Thursday.
Wearing an elegant suit combined with a tie and a regimental pin, the King took to the parade ground in his role as Captain General of the Artillerymen.
Members of the 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery marked the occasion with a thunderous 21-gun salute, each firing seven rounds in perfect sequence.
Inside the barracks, the monarch was able to get a close look at the army’s air defense systems, the technology that is described as providing the British Army with its “eyes, ears and firepower”.
Charles took the time to chat to the men and women behind the team and hear about their duties and daily routines at the Hampshire base.
The highlight of the day was when the King officially opened the newly built Junior Ranks Restaurant, cutting the ribbon on the modern facility designed to serve the junior ranks of soldiers stationed at Baker Barracks.
Charles also joined a live video link with troops stationed overseas, linking thousands of miles in real time to speak words of encouragement directly to those on active duty.
