We had a Naval Airman do the car door opening bit for him during a visit to Oz, and erring by losing control of door which duly hit HRH in the leg, to no great effect it must be said. Fast forward years later the same Rating is given the same job on the basis of you've done this before. HRH, on seeing who is performing the task this time, commented "We're not going to have repeat of last time are we?" A Man to be admired.

You get to be 96 because you push yourself, not in spite of it.

Strange thing to say?

I think what Albert's saying is that HRH is the type who will get out there and do things. It's the couch potatoes who croak early. Well done to both HRH and HM. I only wish I had the stamina of the two of them.

I wish I had the stamina of either of them, and I am 20 years younger!

I agree Herod. So long as your deck doesn't include things like strokes and other nasties!

Slight thread drift-noticed the POW was in his RAF uniform (MRAF?)


Is there any ettiquete regarding which uniform he should wear for such an occasion-or can he just turn up in whatever he's entitled to wear???


Obviously he was a navy man and also (or at least used to be) Col in chief of the Parachute Regiment...

Almost, just a pair of gloves short :p

HRH Turbulent Pilot
 

He is still smiling because he remembers flying the Turbulent G-APNZ (I think at White Waltham) many decades ago.
I do not think it was intended that he should fly it, but apparently after inspecting the machine (A Kings Cup winner) he sort of 'invited' himself to have a go, and no doubt enjoyed the moment. He had arrived at the 'event' in a Mini. (so folklore has it) Great guy especially when he says it like it is.

A mate who is former RM tells me there is great unhappiness amongst the cavalry because Prince Harry continues to sport a bear and yet wear a uniform for which the Regs say " no beards". Rumour has it that he is to take over from Prince Phillip as Captain General of the RM. I understand that they too are unhappy with the beard

Lack of PoW gloves and H's persistent stubble both noted in this household, with disdain.

As to the "Royal Dressing-Up Box", I have no doubt the Household has a roster for who wears what, with DofE and Princess Royal ALWAYS in Navy Blue. At least "The Other One" wasn't in his Scottish Fancy Dress outfit on this occasion.

I believe that Royals with beards in uniform is allowed, the protocol was established for H's great great grandfather, King George V. HRH The Duke of Kent wore a Field Marshall's uniform and was always bearded.

There are also multiple ranks/appointments where beards are almost mandatory. Pipe, Drum and Goat Majors, Pioneer Sgts and many more.

......Clams!

Goat Major Hewitt. Now there's a title.

Is that a case for having a Royal Goat Major?

Would Prince Harry care to set a precedent? ;)

But he is still only a "captain"!

I do wish people would move on from this beard business. Would they be happy if he laid the wreath in a sober civilian suit instead? We should be very grateful that our royal family are so proud to be a part of the military. As has been said, there is a long tradition of royal beard wearers in uniform. If the RM do not wish him to take up his ceremonial post as their chief then fine, he can honour someone else and they can have Edward or some reality TV star instead.

Edward as Captain General of the RM? That would be interesting.

Chaps in the pub last night felt that the Queen and Prince Philip ought to have been provided with seating on that balcony; height of the balustrade should not be an issue with electric-raising seats.

https://www.rafmuseum.org.uk/images/archive/8.jpg
RAF Museum photo. Looks like KG V has a beard