The king is Captain General Royal Marines(Image: (Image: Royal Navy / Buckingham Palace))

Unseen pictures see King Charles' Royal Navy days remembered as he returns to Devon training centre

by · DevonLive

Photos from King Charles' days in the Royal Navy have been unearthed to mark his visit to the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines (CTCRM) at Lympstone in Devon. The visit took place on Friday, November 15, a day after his 76th birthday.

Back in 1974, His Majesty underwent commando training with the Royal Marines at CTCRM while serving with the 845 Naval Air Squadron. Now, the Royal Navy and Buckingham Palace have released images from half a century ago, showing the then prince during his green beret training.

During his recent visit, the king spent time with Royal Marine trainees and instructors, as well as Corps families and veterans, after presenting the King's Badge and a Green Beret to the best all-round member of the King's Squad upon completion of their Commando Training. The Royal Family states that the Royal Marines are the amphibious troops of the Royal Navy, recognised as one of the world's elite commando forces.

READ MORE: King Charles' 76th birthday marked with special photo as he visits old Devon stomping ground

The Commando Training Centre serves as the main training hub for the Royal Marines, split into three training wings (Command Wing, Commando Training Wing and Specialist Training Wing), each under its own Commanding Officer. On average, 1,300 recruits, 2,000 potential recruits and 400 potential Officers attend training courses annually.

Back in 1974, whilst serving with 845 Naval Air Squadron, His Majesty undertook commando training(Image: (Image: Buckingham Palace / Royal Navy))

The King, who serves as Captain General Royal Marines and Ceremonial Head of the Royal Marines, a role he took on in October 2022, visited the Commando Training Centre. This position was previously held by his late grandfather, the Duke of Edinburgh, as well as his grandfather, King George VI, and great-grandfather, King George V, reports the Express.

In 1918, King George V designated the senior training squad as the King's Squad and introduced the King's Badge, awarded to the top all-round recruit. During his visit, the King presented the King's Badge, a first for a monarch since King George VI in 1939, and a Green Beret to the top recruit of the King's Squad upon completing their Commando Training.

King George V inspects Marines on HMS Renown in 1919(Image: (Image: Royal Navy / Buckingham Palace))

At the Tarzan Assault Course, he observed recruits tackling one of the four demanding Commando Tests required to earn the prestigious Green Beret. The King also revisited some of the facilities where he trained as a helicopter pilot.

In his address to the recruits, he stated: "As history has demonstrated, the Royal Marines have continued to remain at the very heart of our Nation's defence, standing steadfast at the vanguard of change. Today marks not just the end of your rigorous Commando training, with which I am all too familiar! – culminating in the presentation of your Green Berets, but also the beginning of your service in one of the most formidable and revered forces in the world."

The King began his full speech with: "Ladies, Gentlemen, and Royal Marines of 362 Troop, The King's Squad."

"It has been a remarkable eighty-five years since my grandfather, King George VI, presented the King's Badge to the best recruit in the King's Squad, and I am so very pleased and proud to be able to do the same here today, and in this, the 360th Birthday year of the Royal Marines. As a celebration of this most momentous anniversary, I am delighted to announce that forthwith the Royal Marines Sword of Honour will be called The King's Sword, and the Royal Marine of the Year will be renamed The King's Royal Marine of the Year."

King Charles expressed his pride in the marines whilst visiting the training centre(Image: (Image: Royal Navy / Buckingham Palace))

He continued: "As history has demonstrated, the Royal Marines have continued to remain at the very heart of our Nation's defence, standing steadfast at the vanguard of change. Today marks not just the end of your rigorous Commando training, with which I am all too familiar! – culminating in the presentation of your Green Berets, but also the beginning of your service in one of the most formidable and revered forces in the world."

"From amphibious operations to extreme climates, you are joining a specialist Service that has long been devoted to preserving and pioneering our Nation's military strength, alongside our allies and partners at home and abroad. It is this operational excellence, underpinned by your unique skillset and training, which will ensure that all of you, as Royal Marines, will help to perpetuate our peace and freedom, both now and in the future."

"As your Captain General, I can only express my pride in each and every one of you, together with my admiration for passing such a demanding course."

"Above all, I wish you every possible success and good fortune as you embark on your future service to our Nation, during which I feel sure you will have a "hoofing" time in your respective units! We are fortunate indeed to be able to rely on you – as well as on those families here today who so loyally support you."

"Per Mare Per Terram (By Sea, By Land)".