King Charles arrived by helicopter at Baker Barracks on Thorney Island on Thursday for a historic visit to the Royal Regiment of Artillery.
Dressed in a smart suit paired with a tie and regimental pin, the King entered the parade ground as Captain General of the Gunners.
Members of the 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery marked the occasion with a thunderous 21-gun salute, with each of the three guns firing seven rounds in perfect sequence.
Inside the barracks, the monarch was able to get a close look at the army’s air defense systems, technology described as providing the British Army with its “eyes, ears and firepower”.
Charles took the time to chat with the men and women behind the equipment and learn about their roles and daily routines at the Hampshire base.
One of the highlights of the day was King’s official opening of the newly constructed Junior Ranks Restaurant, cutting the ribbon on this modern facility designed to serve lower ranking soldiers stationed at Baker Barracks.
Charles also joined a live video link with troops stationed overseas traveling thousands of miles in real time to deliver words of encouragement directly to those on active duty.
