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The Prince of Wales celebrates 40 years of The Queen's Own Yeomanry
10th October 2011
The Prince of Wales joined hundreds of people in Newcastle to celebrate 40 years of The Queen’s Own Yeomanry today.
Twelve tanks rolled through a city centre today past crowds of shoppers as The Prince took the salute from a parade of soldiers and veterans.
The crowds applauded as the troops passed Grey's Monument led by the Band of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
They were followed by veterans and 12 Scimitar light tanks.
The Prince, who was wearing combat uniform, is the Royal Honorary Colonel of the regiment - an armoured Territorial Army unit which is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2011.
As His Royal Highness went on a walkabout, one little boy dressed in full uniform with Black Watch headgear was honoured with a Royal Salute from The Prince.
Thomas Farrell, six, from Washington, said he told The Prince he wanted to be a tank driver when he grew up.
Also at the Monument, The Prince met families of some of the soldiers from the unit who are currently heading out to Afghanistan.
Karen Hunter said her husband, Sgt Neil Hunter, was already out there.
Mrs Harrison said: "He was very interested in how my husband was finding it out there - how he was coping with the hot weather and everything.
"I just think it's good to know he's so supportive of the troops.
"It's also nice for all these people here to see that."
The Prince was accompanied by dignitaries including the Duke of Westminster, who is Honorary Colonel to the regiment, as the troops exercised the Yeomanry's Freedom of the City.
The Honorary Freedom of Newcastle-upon-Tyne was originally given to the Northumberland Hussars in 1969, however the squadron became part of The Queen's Own Yeomanry in 1971.
The Prince later moved from the Monument to a Service of Thanksgiving at St Thomas the Martyr church.
After the service, The Prince met soldiers from the regiment and their families at Fenham Barracks, in Newcastle.
Inge Lowes, whose husband Pte Austin Lowes read at the church, met The Prince with her five-year-old daughter Jenny and stepson, Finlay, 11.
Mrs Lowes, from Cullercoats, Northumberland. said it was an honour to meet him.