King Charles III made an unexpected visit to Gibraltar Barracks in Minley, Hampshire, where he met with soldiers and staff from the 3 Royal School of Military Engineering (3RSME)
and 8 Engineer Brigade. Despite undergoing cancer treatment, the King ventured out for this surprise visit on Thursday.
Upon arrival, King Charles received a salute from a Quarter Guard, composed of officers from the 3RSME. He was warmly greeted by Lord Lt Nigel Atkinson and Maj Gen Eldon Millar. Lt Col Robert Grant mentioned that there was only a brief six-day window to prepare for the King's visit, during which he also interacted with families of serving soldiers.
During a moment at the officers' mess with Lt Col Grant, King Charles humorously remarked, "I do apologise for taking you by surprise. When this opportunity appeared and I had been allowed out of my cage, I wanted to come and have a look."
The 3RSME, established in September 1939, serves as the Combat Engineer Centre of Excellence. It is integral for Royal Engineer soldiers and officers, providing them with combat engineer initial trade training. The school offers command courses at both junior and senior levels, as well as specialized training in areas such as bridging, demolitions, and water supply.
One attendee, Natalie Newman from Poole, Dorset, described meeting the King as "nerve-wracking, but amazing." She shared a lighthearted exchange with the King about parenthood, recalling his witty response: "'it was nothing a strong drink won't help.' He was really funny, and he appeared absolutely fine and upbeat."
King Charles's visit coincided with Prince Harry's presence in London for an event commemorating a decade of the Invictus Games, where his father, Prince Charles, was reportedly too occupied to meet him. Meanwhile, Prince Charles engaged with members of the RNLI and local organizations in Cornwall, and Prince William participated in an impromptu game of volleyball with teenagers from a Newquay lifesaving club. Photo by Northern Ireland Office, Wikimedia commons.