Queen Camilla’s first visit to the Royal Lancers, since becoming their Colonel-in-Chief, was a heartfelt occasion in North Yorkshire on Monday. The Lancers hold a special place in the Queen’s heart as her father, Major Bruce Shand, served with distinction during the Second World War. Major Shand’s bravery earned him the Military Cross during the withdrawal to Dunkirk in 1940 and again during the Second Battle of El Alamein in North Africa.
During the parade, Queen Camilla inspected the troops, met with families, and awarded five Buchan Medals. These medals are awarded to serving or retired members of The Royal Lancers who have made outstanding contributions. In her address, the Queen expressed her pride in the Regiment, saying, “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.”
