Hundreds flocked to the West End today to get a glimpse of royalty and celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Royal Bermuda Regiment.

Spectators cheered as soldiers marched into the Keep Yard at the National Museum of Bermuda in Dockyard ahead of Birgitte, the Duchess of Gloucester, and Andrew Murdoch, the Governor.

The Duchess, who is Colonel-in-Chief of the battalion, and Mr Murdoch arrived in a horse-drawn carriage after a thunderous 21-gun salute.

This was followed by an inspection of ranks, Trooping of the Colours and a drumhead service led by the Right Reverend Nicholas Dill, the Anglican Bishop of Bermuda.

An RBR statement said: “By trooping Colours among the ranks, soldiers have an opportunity to recognise and honour their battalion and those who have served before them.”

The Duchess, who arrived on the island on Thursday, then read a message from King Charles III and delivered an address to soldiers.

King Charles’s message said: “It was a great joy, if I may say so, to have some of you representing the regiment at my coronation, and here you are today at what is very much your day.

“You have shown, over the course of the last 60 years, how incredibly versatile and adaptable you are.”

The Duchess highlighted how the RBR has had a presence on land and sea since the coastguard was introduced in 2020.

She explained: “This dual ability not only enhances Bermuda's security but also reflects your proud maritime heritage.

“I commend the work you have done over this period, responding to many a hurricane both here and abroad, conducting 62,000 patrols and responding to over 500 search-and-rescue incidents.

“The impact you have had on the lives of many Bermudians is considerable.”

Lieutenant-Colonel Duncan Simons, RBR Commanding Officer, said a career in public service can provide “experience, connections, lifelong friendships, a sense of belonging and a purpose and often a new beginning.”

He thanked everyone who served in the organisation for the past 60 years and told prospective members: “You will be rewarded in ways you would not imagine and for your service you, and all of Bermuda, will be rewarded.”

The Duchess, Mr Murdoch and Colonel Simons then presented some troops with operational service medals.

The Duchess said: “These demonstrate the well-deserved recognition of your tireless efforts, both at home and abroad, and will no doubt inspire others to follow in your footsteps and inspire similar acknowledgement.”

The Duchess then chatted with members of the Boy Scouts, Girl Guides, Sea Cadets and other youth groups before the ceremony ended.

Diane Hale, visiting Bermuda from Britain, liked how the Duchess chatted with every child participant.

She said: “It’s nice that she talks to them to make them feel appreciated, I think she did very well.

“All these ceremonies are good and, for a small island, I think she showed respect for the regiment in doing what she did.”

Mary and Simon Stones had a son and two grandchildren involved in the event today.

Mrs Stones said: “I enjoyed the ceremony of it all, we don’t have anything like this in Bermuda very often. Both grandchildren enjoyed themselves, the younger one was grinning from ear to ear.”

Anil Chatergoon, another attendee, said: “I decided to attend this event because it was history in the making. It’s not often that you see royalty in Bermuda, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the soldiers in their colours.”

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· Video courtesy of the Government of Bermuda