Today, the Duke of Cambridge attended the Metropolitan Police’s traditional passing out parade, which marked the graduation of 182 recruits from the academy.
The annual parade takes place at Hendon Police Complex and the ceremony has been carried out there since 1934; it is an incredibly proud moment in the life of the recruits and their families. The parade marks the recruits’ transition from being a trainee police officer to probationer. All constables who join the Metropolitan Police pass through the complex before joining the force.
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The Duke of Cambridge attends the Metropolitan Police passing out parade (C/ @KensingtonRoyal Twitter)
The Duke, wearing his poppy as well as his Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals, was joined at the ceremony by Cressida Dick, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, and Penny Banham, who is the Chief Superintendent. The trio inspected the graduates and took the traditional salute.
Cressida Dick said of the occasion: “We are honoured to have His Royal Highness The Duke of Cambridge preside over the passing-out parade, making this occasion even more memorable for our new probationary constables. My newest officers will very soon be protecting the capital as part of a police service with a global reputation and a proud history. There is no doubt that policing is challenging and recent tragic events in London have clearly demonstrated the Met’s professionalism and dedication.
“It is a privilege to serve and the satisfaction of helping the public and making a real difference to the lives of many people offers a great reward, as our new probationers are about to discover.”
The Duke congratulates some of the graduating officers who have received the highest honours during their training. pic.twitter.com/MfBKPIxL3I
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) 3 de noviembre de 2017
After inspecting the parade, William attended a reception held in honour of the recruits. The Duke spoke with some of the academy’s highest-performing graduating officers, and met with some of the Family Liaison Officers, who are based at the Hendon complex; these officers are currently working with families affected by the Grenfell Tower fire.
The Duke of Cambridge then followed in his brother’s footsteps, and planted a cherry tree in Hendon’s memorial garden to commemorate his visit. Prince Harry was the guest of honour at last year’s ceremony, and William himself previously attended the parade in 2009.
The Duke plants a tree in the Memorial Garden to commemorate his visit. pic.twitter.com/0uhKOJVa0e
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) 3 de noviembre de 2017
The Met Police are responsible for royal protection and policing state events in London.
