A tremendous honour: Charles makes his first visit to Armed Forces headquarters
King Charles – fresh from his trip to see the Royal Artillery in West Sussex – has now paid an historic visit to personnel in northwest London to see their work at the UK's top operational military HQ.
The King used his first visit to Northwood to pay tribute to the dedication and service of personnel, whose 24/7 work keeps the UK and its allies safe.
Northwood HQ is the nerve centre of UK defence, directing military operations across the globe.
Not just the UK
Northwood was originally home to RAF Coastal Command during the Second World War, but now hosts several key military commands.
These include Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (CSOC), as well as the Permanent Joint Headquarters, Allied Maritime Command and the Royal Navy's Maritime Operations Centre.
Together, they provide critical specialist capabilities working in alliance to keep the UK secure at home and strong abroad.
The King met soldiers, sailors, aviators and civil servants not just from the UK, but also from Nato allies, who are always on duty co-ordinating joint and combined military activities.
King speaks to CSG25 team
Among those he spoke to were the team members from the Carrier Strike Group 25 deployment to the Indo-Pacific, as well as those who play a vital role supporting Ukraine.
Charles was welcomed by the Deputy Commander of CSOC, Air Marshal Suraya Marshall, before being shown the operational control rooms from where all live overseas operations are managed.
"His Majesty's visit means a great deal to everyone here at Northwood HQ," she said.
"As one of the most strategically significant military headquarters for the UK and Nato, the work carried out here – day and night, at home and overseas – is critical to the security of the United Kingdom and our allies.
"To have that work recognised at the highest level is a tremendous honour."
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