Rain fails to dampen spirits as Princess Royal inspects new Army officers at Sandhurst
The Princess Royal has inspected the British Army's newest officers at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst's Sovereign's Parade.
The ceremony marks the final step before Officer Cadets formally commission as Army officers, following 44 weeks of intensive training.
Representing His Majesty the King, the Princess Royal inspected the Senior Intake at Sandhurst, her seventh time acting as Sovereign's Representative – more than any other member of the royal family.
Among those commissioning were Officer Cadet Ella Firth and Officer Cadet Megan Meager, who said a brief conversation with Princess Anne made the day even more memorable.
"It really meant so much, especially in the rain, that she stopped and had a chat with both of us and took the time," Officer Cadet Meager said. "It wasn't a one-off question. She really was interested in what we had to say, which is lovely."
"Everyone’s thinking who’s she going to stop to talk to, so it was really nice that she stopped to talk to us," Officer Cadet Firth said. "She asked a bit about our past military experience and where we were going."
"It meant so much."
Both are joining the Royal Engineers.
In total, 157 UK Officer Cadets commissioned at the parade, alongside 27 international cadets from 17 countries. All formally became Army officers at the stroke of midnight.
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