King returns to Commando training centre after 50 years

Daily Express|November 16, 2024

THE King got a reminder of tough times from his youth as he returned to the Royal Marines base where he completed his helicopter pilot training 50 years ago.

- George Thompson

King returns to Commando training centre after 50 years

Charles was at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines yesterday to meet successful recruits and present special honours.

He was based at the centre in Lympstone, near Exeter, Devon, back in 1974, to complete three days of commando exercises.

The monarch, 76 - Captain General of the Royal Marines - was presented with a picture of himself tackling the daunting high ropes course at the training centre.

His Majesty also saw recruits performing the very same manoeuvre.

Meeting his troops, he presented the King's Badge to trainee Osian Stephens, of Colwyn, North Wales.

It was the first time any king had presented the honour - given to the recruit deemed the most impressive in training since King George VI, Charles's grandfather, in 1939.

He also awarded a Commando Medal and Green Beret to Joseph Ryan from Merseyside.

This story is from the November 16, 2024 edition of Daily Express.

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This story is from the November 16, 2024 edition of Daily Express.

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