Her Majesty The Queen inspected a Second World War Royal Lancers tunic worn by her father on her first visit to the regiment as Colonel-in-Chief.
The Royal Lancers (Queen Elizabeths’ Own) welcomed Her Majesty to their Barracks in Catterick Garrison where she was able to view, for the first time, a 12th Lancer tunic worn by her father, Major Bruce Middleton Hope Shand while serving with the Regiment in North Africa during the Second World War. She also saw a handwritten letter from her father to a member of the Derbyshire Yeomanry in 1942.
Major Shand was awarded two Military Cross medals, for actions in France during the withdrawal to Dunkirk in 1940 and Egypt during the second Battle of El Alamein in 1942. His tunic is part of an exhibition from the Regimental Museum in Derby.
Wearing an outfit based on the Royal Lancers uniform designed by the mother of Captain Al Aldridge, currently serving with the regiment, The Queen said in her address on the parade square: "I know you have been particularly busy, as you prepare for imminent operational tours to Poland, Kosovo and Cyprus, and I am glad that today serves as an opportunity to bring you all together. My father described the regiment as a 'highly efficient entity, highly skilled, and full of personalities.' I have no doubt that your upcoming deployments will be characteristically successful and will only add to our regiment’s rich history."
"The Lancers have always struck me for their family spirit, whose comforts and support I experienced as a daughter of the regiment, and I’m delighted to see so many families and members of the Old Comrades Association here today. Particularly now, as so many of your loved ones look to deploy overseas."
Her Majesty plays a crucial role at the heart of our regiment..." COLONEL (RETIRED) RICHARD CHARRINGTON
During the visit, Her Majesty also inspected her regiment before awarding five Buchan Medals, given to officers and soldiers from The Royal Lancers who have contributed to the efficiency or military honour of the regiment over a prolonged period.
The Queen left to three cheers and a street lining by old comrades and families.
Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Robin Davies said: “I was delighted to welcome Her Majesty The Queen to the home of The Royal Lancers here in Catterick Garrison.
“Today has been a truly historic event marking The Queen’s first visit to her regiment since her appointment as Colonel-in-Chief on 8 June 2023.
“I was delighted that The Queen presented Buchan Medals to five of our people, recognising their contribution to our regiment throughout their career and reviewing her father’s tunic highlighted her unique connection to the Regiment.”
Colonel of the Regiment, Colonel (Retired) Richard Charrington said: “Her Majesty The Queen is uniquely connected to The Royal Lancers through her father. Her Majesty plays a crucial role at the heart of our regiment, and we are incredibly grateful for her patronage. I am excited by the prospect of our many visits and engagements together.”
Regimental Sergeant Major, Warrant Officer Class One Roy Mukungunugwa said: “Our people have been so excited by preparations for today. They have worked tirelessly to demonstrate the regiment’s esprit de corps ahead of six months deployed on operations abroad. Their efforts have done us a credit and I feel proud to serve with a group of such motivated and hard-working people.”
