Duchess Sophie takes charge at base with her royal umbrella at attention

The Duchess of Edinburgh strode into Bulford Camp looking like a style commander. 

The rain couldn't dampen her mood; she was all smiles, brandishing a smart black umbrella and displaying her signature royal poise as she arrived to meet the troops of the 5th Battalion, The Rifles (5 RIFLES).

In her role as Royal Colonel, seemed more than comfortable stepping into the heartbeat of a military base and her winter coat added extra polish to the visit. 

On arrival, she joined members of the battalion for greetings, handshakes, and a proper “thank-you” for their service. 

As reported during a homecoming parade last year, 5 RIFLES had just returned from deployment overseas which made the moment especially meaningful. 

Lieutenant General Tom Copinger-Symes CBE, Colonel Commandant of The Rifles, read a message from Queen Camilla, the Regiment’s Colonel-in-Chief,

“I am delighted to see you all return from a successful tour in Estonia on Operation Cabrit as part of NATO’s Enhanced Forward Presence. 

Today’s medals parade recognises not only your individual efforts, but also 5 RIFLES’ tireless service to the Estonian people alongside NATO.”