General Sir Roly Walker: Who is the new Army chief who led Special Forces?

General Sir Roly Walker has been confirmed as the next head of the British Army.

He will take over from General Sir Patrick Sanders in June 2024 after the King approved his appointment to Chief of the General Staff.

But who is he and what has his military career looked like?

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Gen Sir Roly was commissioned into the Irish Guards in 1993 and went on to serve with UK Special Forces from 1997.

He was the commander of the Grenadier Guards in 2009 before being promoted to the General Staff in 2013.

As well as serving as a commander at company, squadron, battlegroup, brigade and Special Forces group levels, he has also served in Northern Ireland, Afghanistan and Iraq.

Gen Sir Roly also served as joint command of operations across Europe, the broader Middle East, Africa and South America.

As part of the General Staff, he has served in brigade, divisional, Army and strategic HQs and worked as the deputy chief of the defence staff since 2021.

This role saw him advise and direct operations to support the Government's response to coronavirus, the death of Prince Philip, the withdrawal from Afghanistan, the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the death of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III.

More recently, Gen Sir Roly has helped the Government handle the situation in Israel and was made a Knight Commander of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath in 2023.

He has held a number of honorary roles, including Colonel Commandant of the Royal Veterinary Corps, the Regimental Lieutenant Colonel of the Grenadier Guards and a member of the Honourable Artillery Company's regimental council.

He is also president of the UK Armed Forces Equestrian Association and a member of the Worshipful Company of Ironmongers.

Gen Sir Roly said he was "absolutely thrilled" to be leading the British Army.

"It has always been a tremendous honour to lead our nation's soldiers, so the chance to serve them once again, and in this role, is the highest of privileges," he said.

"It also carries great responsibility, which I promise to discharge to the best of my abilities. Our soldiers, and those who support them, deserve nothing less.

"The scene is set. We know our part in Defence's plan. I’m looking forward to starting."