Members of the Bermuda Regiment had a royal welcome when they met their new Colonel-in-Chief for the first time.

The Regiment has 135 soldiers in Kent, in southeast England, for training and the opportunity was taken to meet the honourary Commander, the Duchess of Gloucester.

Two Companies make up the group, which is learning military skills in internal security and public order support, as part of its annual overseas training camp.

Pte. Michael DeSilva and Pte. Ra-Shan Trott were very delighted from their encounter with a member of the Royal Family.

“She was very down to earth and comfortable with everyone,” said Pte. Trott. “She seemed very knowledgeable about the training and was asking questions about our weapons and so on.”

In previous overseas training camps, the Regiment has travelled to North America and the Caribbean.

Regiment Commanding Officer Lt. Col. William White introduced Governor Sir John Vereker, Public Safety and Housing Minister Sen. David Burch and Honourary Col. Eugene Raynor to the Duchess.

Capt. David Medeiros, Commander of A Company, gave her highness an overview of the march and shoot competition in which the soldiers were taking part.

During conversations with the waiting sections of soldiers, she asked them about their impressions on their training and wished them luck before they set off. A group of VIPs consisting of Officers, Warrant Officers and senior non-commissioned officers, assembled for tea and a photo-op with the Duchess.

Lt. Col. White invited her to sign a visitor’s book and presented her with a bouquet of flowers with thanks from the Regiment, before she returned to Kensington Palace via helicopter.

The two groups of soldiers will return to the Island on Saturday and Sunday.