Historic first as all-female banner party takes part in Sandhurst Sovereign's Parade

An all-female banner party has participated in Royal Military Academy Sandhurst Sovereign's Parade for the first time ever.

Company Sergeant Major Brunton of the Royal Army Medical Service (RAMS) carried the Sovereign's Banner during the parade.

She was escorted by Staff Sergeant Lewis of the Royal Army Veterinary Corps and Staff Sergeant Bradley, from the RAMS, who was given special permission to carry a bayonet in the party.

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Major Andy Knight from RMA Sandhurst said: "The Sergeant Major carrying that banner is also the company Sergeant Major of the company that has the Sovereign's Platoon, so the best performing platoon of the intake is in her company.

"So, a double honour."

The event marks the completion of 44 weeks of intensive training for the 239 Officer Cadets of Commissioning Course 242.

They will now be commissioned as British Army Officers after the parade in front of friends and family, as well as the Duchess of Edinburgh, who was representing King Charles.

Officer Cadet Maya Sheryn, who will now become an officer in the Royal Dragoon Guards, said: "The exercise at Brecon was probably the most challenging.

"Two weeks in Brecon is tough but the other exercises have been really awesome and the friends you make here are like nothing else.

"I think we've got summer in Bovington for Phase Two for the cavalry, which should be so much fun.

"And really good to finally like do your trade and working with RDG soldiers is going to be awesome."

The parade featured 26 international cadets from 18 countries.

The King presented the Sovereign's Banner to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in April 2023.