The King salutes the new generation of naval leaders at their Dartmouth parade
The King has thanked families and friends for their "sacrifices and contributions" as he saluted 200 future leaders of the Royal Navy and its global allies.
Close to 55 years after he himself passed out of the same famous institution, King Charles celebrated the achievements of a new generation of cadets at Britannia Royal Naval College.
On parade for the historic Lord High Admiral's Divisions and watched by their friends and family, were more than 190 cadets, who had undergone the 29-week transformation from civilians to junior naval officers.
There were also sailors promoted from the ranks, and international cadets who will go on to serve in the navies of the Bahamas, Kuwait, Malta, Oman, Qatar and the UAE.
The royal engagement started with a flypast by DA20 Dassault Falcons before His Majesty consecrated new Colours, a silk white ensign featuring the King's cypher, which will be entrusted to the college.
During divisions, the King inspected UK and overseas cadets in the Royal Guard, and spoke to musicians from the Royal Marines band, who performed the college's new march, Lead With Courage, commissioned to celebrate its 120th anniversary this year.
Profoundly grateful for sacrifices, King says
Speaking to all those attending the parade before taking the salute, King Charles said: "In this same spirit, today is also an important occasion for those who have supported each of you in reaching this memorable moment on parade, and I am thrilled to see so many proud families and friends here amongst us.
"Their support will be essential to every one of you as you embark on a life of service."
The King also presented awards to four junior officers.
Warfare officer Sub Lieutenant Krish Hook received the King's Sword as the stand-out junior officer of the three intakes over the last year.
Runners-up Sub Lieutenants Jonathan Lavery (a marine engineer) and Toby Runyard (a trainee pilot) were given The King's Telescopes.
Meanwhile, logistics officer Sub Lieutenant Molly Edmunds received the Britannia Association Sword for demonstrating character which best embodied the Royal Navy's values.
After the parade, the King attended a reception on the Quarterdeck, where he met the newly commissioned officers.
During the visit, First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins accompanied King Charles.
"You inherit a proud tradition of operational excellence," Gen Sir Gwyn said to the massed ranks.
"In an era of global uncertainty, our strength lies in leaders who can fight and win.
"Be that exceptional leader – decisive, resilient, and unwavering in service."
Getting to this point makes it all worth it, naval officer says
Among those passing out was Sub Lieutenant Jack Dettmer, who spoke to BFBS Forces News's Will Hollis about what it means to be commissioned and to have the King present at his passing out parade.
"It's been a great experience. It's been tough, but definitely worthwhile," Sub Lt Dettmer said.
"The 29 weeks have seen some ups and downs, but definitely getting to this point makes it all worth it."
On the question of the King attending the parade, Sub Lt Dettmer said: "Obviously he's been through here as well, so being able to relate to that, just makes it more exciting.
"And just having someone like that to actually speak to, it's quite surreal actually, when he's there in front of you."
BFBS Forces News also spoke to Captain Andrew Bray, Britannia Naval College's Commanding Officer, who said that the naval college has both a professional and personal connection for the King after his time spent there.
"It is really exciting. Of all things I do in this job, the passing out parades are by the far most exhilarating part of the job and a really, really welcome chance to celebrate [the] success of all these young people," Capt Bray explained.
Additional reporting by Will Hollis.
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