King Charles has been in the spotlight more than ever since the death of his mother, Queen Elizabeth II on September 2022.
Not only will he now become the King, but he will also take on the role as the military’s new Commander-in-Chief.
Charles served in both the Royal Air Force and the Royal Navy in his 20s.
In March 1971, he began training as a jet pilot at the Royal Air Force College Cranwell after flying himself there following training he had received from the RAF during his second year at University. He had a passing out parade at the Lincolnshire base in September of that same year.
He then enrolled on a six-week course at the Royal Naval College Dartmouth – following in the naval footsteps of his father, grandfather, and two of his great-grandfathers.
During his naval career, he served on the guided missile destroyer HMS Norfolk (1971–1972), and two frigates HMS Minerva (1972–1973) and HMS Jupiter (1974).
In 1974, he qualified as a helicopter pilot at RNAS Yeovilton, and joined the 845 Naval Air Squadron, operating from HMS Hermes.
Charles hasn’t got medals for active service in a war, but instead for serving in a particular place, being a member of a high-ranking order, or medals from other countries.
The former Prince of Wales can be seen wearing the following medals; Queen’s Service Order (New Zealand), Coronation Medal, Silver Jubilee Medal, Golden Jubilee Medal, Diamond Jubilee Medal, Naval Long Service Good Conduct (LSGC), Canadian Forces Decoration, the New Zealand Commemorative Medal, and the New Zealand Armed Forces Award.
Despite leaving the military, the King has continued to work closely with the Armed Forces.
In 2012, Queen Elizabeth II awarded him the highest rank in all three services – Field Marshal, Admiral of the Fleet and Marshal of the Royal Air Force.
