PRINCE William has raised a festive pint with the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards after joining their Christmas celebrations at Combermere Barracks in Windsor.
The Prince of Wales, who has served as the regiment’s colonel since taking over the role from King Charles two years ago, spent Thursday meeting soldiers and helping to serve dessert to junior ranks.
In a message posted on social media, he said he was “proud to be colonel of regiment – and to serve pudding to them this year”, adding: “A huge thank you to the soldiers and families of the Welsh Guards for everything you do.”
The visit continues a long-standing connection between the prince and the regiment, dating back to his 2003 gap year when he accompanied the Guards in the jungles of Belize. It has since become a regular fixture in his calendar.
Last November, he observed their live firing exercises on Salisbury Plain, where he was shown a range of equipment, including small drones. The battalion’s senior operator described his handling of the devices as “good”, noting that the future king “could be trained up”.
Earlier in 2023, he and the Princess of Wales – who now holds his former post as Colonel of the Irish Guards – joined the regiment for its St David’s Day parade. After delivering speeches, the pair took part in the traditional presentation of handmade leeks for officers and soldiers to wear on their chests.
The 1st Battalion Welsh Guards have played prominent roles in major national events, including the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the King’s coronation in 2023. They have also featured in several BBC documentaries, among them the BAFTA Cymru-winning 2024 film Helmand: Tour of Duty.
