Kate Middleton wears full camouflage, drives armored vehicle as she takes on new military role

The Princess of Wales made her inaugural visit to the 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards Regiment as their colonel in chief on Wednesday.

Earlier in the year, King Charles appointed Kate with the additional royal titles of commodore-in-chief of the Fleet Air Arm and the royal honorary air commodore of Royal Air Force Coningsby.

The regiment, known as The Welsh Cavalry, holds a distinguished place in the British Army's Royal Armoured Corps and stands as the senior regiment of the British Army's lineage.


Originating in 1959 from the merger of two dragoon guards units, the regiment boasts a storied history, having played active roles in various conflicts, including the Iraq and Afghanistan wars.

During her visit, Princess Kate engaged with the regiment's senior officers and had the opportunity to observe service operations. Clad in full camouflage attire, she tested her hand at driving an armored vehicle, drone, and high mobility weapons platform.

In addition to her interactions with personnel and their families, Kate commemorated the sacrifice of members lost in active service, just ahead of the Commonwealth's Remembrance Day. She also presented long service and good conduct medals to officers.

This milestone for Princess Kate coincided with her husband Prince William's recent visit to Singapore, where he attended the United for Wildlife Global Summit and the third annual Earthshot Prize awards ceremony.

The extravagant awards ceremony at the theater in state-owned Media Corp. was co-hosted by actors Hannah Waddingham and Sterling K. Brown. Musical performances for the evening were delivered by One Republic, Bastille, and singer Bebe Rexha.

A stellar lineup of presenters, including Oscar winner Cate Blanchett, actors Donnie Yen, Lana Condor, and Nomzano Mbatha, as well as Australian wildlife conservationist Robert Irwin, added prestige to the event.