King returns to Devon commando facility where he trained

His Majesty King Charles III revisited the Royal Marines facility in Devon, the location where he underwent his helicopter training five decades prior. On Friday, the monarch visited the Commando Training Centre situated in Lympstone, close to Exmouth, for an engagement with new recruits. Back in 1974, the individual who is now King, then known as the Prince of Wales, undertook three days of commando instruction. During his visit on Friday, the King, who holds the title of Captain General of the Royal Marines, received a photograph depicting himself on the high ropes course. He observed several of the present-day recruits navigating the high ropes course and bestowed special accolades along with a green beret upon two individuals in training. The King awarded the King’s Badge, an honor conferred upon the recruit judged to be the most outstanding among those completing their training, to Marine Osian Stephens, who hails from Colwyn, North Wales. Marine Stephens earned this distinction after successfully finishing his training, notwithstanding a severe leg injury that necessitated a 10-month recovery period. He stated that sustaining the injury constituted the “hardest part” of his training, but that its completion and the reception of the award from the King rendered the effort worthwhile. “This moment will stay with me forever,” the 20-year-old commented. This occasion represented the first instance a reigning monarch had presented the badge since his grandfather, George VI, did so in 1939. Furthermore, the King bestowed a Commando Medal, presented to a recruit who exemplifies the commando spirit and ethos through their transformation from a civilian into a Royal Marine, along with a green beret, upon Joseph Ryan of Merseyside. He remarked: “Being presented my green beret by the King is amazing, honestly the biggest honour I could ever have.” The 20-year-old had sustained a prolonged shoulder injury, necessitating five months of rehabilitation prior to his successful completion of the training. While at the centre, the King encountered 100-year-old D-Day veteran Norman Ashford, who served as a coxswain aboard a landing craft at Gold Beach. Mr. Ashford indicated that he discussed his experiences during D-Day with the King and expressed his desire to travel to Normandy next year for the commemoration of the landings. He further stated: “It was a great honour to meet the King, I haven’t met royalty before and I just turned 100 on the 10th.” For updates, follow BBC Devon on X, Facebook, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to spotlight@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC bears no responsibility for the material found on external websites. Information regarding our policy on external linking is available.