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The Duchess visits her regiment, 4th Battalion The Rifles, at Bulford Camp in Wiltshire

14th July 2008

The Duchess of Cornwall donned a camouflage jacket today during a visit to her regiment, 4th Battalion The Rifles, at Bulford Camp in Wiltshire.

Her Royal Highness’s visit to the regiment, of which she is Royal Colonel, included an impromptu ride in a Bulldog armoured personnel carrier, one of the vehicles often used by the battalion.

Upon arrival at Bulford Camp where the 4th Battalion The Rifles is currently training, The Duchess of Cornwall was welcomed by the Commanding Officer, Lt Col Rupert Jones and a bugler played the Royal Colonel's Fanfare.

Her Royal Highness attended a short private briefing before donning a camouflage jacket for the ride in the Bulldog and watching a field training exercise.  Soldiers are retraining at their Wiltshire barracks following their return from Iraq in December 2007.

Afterwards, The Duchess met soldiers and was shown the full range of equipment used by the regiment on the battlefield.

Later Her Royal Highness met soldiers’ families at the Beaches Community Centre and handed out bravery, long service and leadership awards to troops.

Mrs Leanne Walker, the wife of a Corporal in the regiment, said: "The Duchess is lovely and down-to-earth, taking time to speak with all of us which made us feel appreciated.

"We are all aware of what she has done for our battalion and this visit has given us a chance to say thank you."

In 2006 The Duchess of Cornwall was appointed to the position of Royal Colonel of the 4th Battalion The Rifles following the reorganisation of the regiments.

The Battalion was previously named the 2nd Battalion The Royal Green Jackets with The Queen as Colonel-in-Chief.

The Duchess said she was “delighted and deeply honoured” to receive the appointment.

As Royal Colonel, Her Royal Highness takes a close interest in the battalion: meeting personnel, receiving regular briefings from the Commanding Officer and writing letters to bereaved families and injured servicemen, often sending a gift to help speed their recovery.

The regiment returned from operations in Iraq in December 2007 after six months, during which four soldiers were killed and many injured.

Since January 2008, the regiment has been in a period of recuperation and reorganisation.

This has included a period of leave and intense medical care for injured soldiers and quality time with families.

Click here to find out more about The Duchess’s position with the Armed Services and to read about past visits to 4th Battalion The Rifles.