King Salutes Sacrifice and Service as a New Generation of Naval Leaders Pass Out at Dartmouth
King Charles III marked a significant moment at Britannia Royal Naval College, Dartmouth, as he paid tribute to the families and friends whose “sacrifices and contributions” play a vital role in naval success, while honouring 200 emerging leaders from the Royal Navy and allied forces.
Almost 55 years after completing his own training at the same historic college, His Majesty returned to celebrate the achievements of a new cohort of officers during the Lord High Admiral’s Divisions. The ceremony recognised more than 190 cadets who completed an intensive 29-week journey from civilian life to commissioned service, alongside sailors promoted from the ranks and international cadets destined to serve in the navies of the Bahamas, Kuwait, Malta, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
The Royal visit began with a flypast by DA20 Dassault Falcons, followed by the consecration of newly commissioned Colours. The silk White Ensign, bearing the King’s Cypher, was formally entrusted to the College, reinforcing its enduring heritage and values. During the parade, His Majesty inspected British and overseas cadets forming the Royal Guard and met musicians from the Royal Marines Band, who performed the College’s newly commissioned march, Lead With Courage, created to mark its 120th anniversary. Addressing the assembled cadets, families and guests before taking the salute, His Majesty said:
“Today is also an important occasion for those who have supported each of you in reaching this memorable moment on parade and I am thrilled to see so many proud families and friends here amongst us.
“I can only say how profoundly grateful I am for the sacrifices and contributions they have made, and will make, to your, and therefore the Navy’s, success. Their support will be essential to every one of you as you embark on a life of service”
Ahead of the formal salute, the King presented awards to four junior officers. Sub Lieutenant Krish Hook, a warfare officer, received the King’s Sword as the most outstanding junior officer across three intakes over the past year. Sub Lieutenants Jonathan Lavery, a marine engineer, and Toby Runyard, a trainee pilot, were named runners-up and awarded the King’s Telescopes. Logistics officer Sub Lieutenant Molly Edmunds received the Britannia Association Sword for demonstrating character that best reflected the Royal Navy’s core values. Following the parade, His Majesty attended a reception on the Quarterdeck, where he met the newly commissioned officers and their guests.
Throughout the visit, the King was accompanied by First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, who addressed the assembled cadets with a message of responsibility and resolve:
“You inherit a proud tradition of operational excellence,” he declared.
“In an era of global uncertainty, our strength lies in leaders who can fight and win. Be that exceptional leader – decisive, resilient, and unwavering in service.”
Among those completing training was Edward Coombs, 27, from Taunton, who previously worked as a City consultant and served as an Army reservist before choosing a career as a marine engineer.
“I joined for a sense of adventure and the opportunity to lead men and women all over the world. I wanted something that wasn’t behind a desk all day where no two days are the same and the Navy offered this in abundance.”
He described training as intense but rewarding, noting there was “never a dull moment” and that he had “ definitely made friends for life”. One challenge stood out less fondly, however, recalling a cold-water dunking while attempting to cross a stream on Dartmoor.
Several cadets experienced their first deployment at sea aboard patrol ship HMS Forth in the Falklands. Midshipman Denholm Coxhill, 22, from Worthing in West Sussex, described the experience as formative:
“It was one of the most amazing opportunities I’ve had – albeit very cold),” he said. “It gave us insight into what we have joined to do. “On my first day, I had the overarching thought: Why did I do this? I look back on it now and thank myself I kept on going – now it’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”
Midshipman Rory Gillies, 23, from Portsmouth, chose the Navy despite growing up in an RAF family, inspired by stories shared by friends and classmates.
“It’s definitely a career like no other,” he said. “I absolutely love it and would recommend it to anyone who loves spending time with interesting people and getting the chance to do something different and live a life outside the general nine-to-five that it can be easy to find yourself working in.”
Captain Andy Bray, Captain of Britannia Royal Naval College, said the King’s presence elevated the significance of the occasion.
“Makes this already momentous day truly historic. On behalf of the College and the Royal Navy, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all passing out.”
