The Prince of Wales, as Colonel-in-Chief of the 1st Battalion Mercian Regiment, conducted a solo engagement today to attend a heartwarming Christmas event at Picton Barracks, home to the Regiment. Prince William has been Colonel-in-Chief of 1st Battalion Mercian Regiment since August 2023.
Upon arrival, Prince William was greeted not just by members of the regiment but also by their unique mascot, Derby, the regimental ram. Speaking to the personnel about the regimental ram, ‘I can see you are holding on tightly, he looks fantastic, very smart.’
The Prince of Wales met the mascot Swaledale Ram, Private Derby during a visit to the Regiment for a Christmas event for families at Picton Barracks. (Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
Prince William was also informed that the mascot was off to spend Christmas in a ‘field full of ewes’, HRH replied ‘so he has quite a fun Christmas. Oh good luck to him’.
The Prince then headed inside and sat down with the families of military personnel, engaging in conversations and sharing moments of joy with the children. Among the highlights was his interaction with young attendees, who presented him with festive cards and a Santa hat to take home to his children — George, Charlotte and Louis.
The Prince of Wales helped to give out gifts to the children of the families. (Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
In a particularly touching moment, 10-year-old Karson Heighway gifted Prince William a hand-drawn portrait. The Prince’s was seen to be delighted with the gift and thoughtfully tucked the drawing into his pocket. Commenting on the picture, William laughed: ‘I look like I have five nostrils.’
A drawing of The Prince of Wales, Colonel-in-Chief of the 1st Battalion Mercian Regiment, made by Karson Heighway, 10.
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The Prince of Wales met with soldiers and their families from the Mercian Regiment. (Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
To further delight the children present, The Prince of Wales proceeded to hand out presents from beneath a decorated Christmas tree. A Fijian choir, composed of soldiers from the regiment, added to the festive atmosphere.
Noticeably the majority of attendees at the party were dressed in Christmas jumpers, when asked about why William wasn’t wearing a festive jumper, he said jokingly: ‘I didn’t know, you see that guy in the jacket, it’s his fault and I will be having a word’.
His Royal Highness met with soldiers and their families, and heard more about their experiences and roles within the Mercian Regiment. (Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
During the visit, Prince William met soldiers from various ranks and roles, learning about their experiences and contributions. Many had gone above and beyond their duties through charity work, volunteering, and extracurricular activities, highlighting the regiment’s dedication.
Leah St Clair-Lewis, from the WRVS, discussed her role within services welfare with Prince William before talking about their dogs and plans for Christmas: ‘We spoke about what he was up to for Christmas and enjoying walks with his dogs at Sandringham. He said there will 45 of them under one roof for Christmas. He didn’t say whether that was just for one day or over the Christmas period. They must need a very long table.’
William meeting a newborn baby. (Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace)
This solo engagement follows a busy period for the Prince of Wales. Just days earlier, he attended the reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris and met US President-elect Donald Trump. Back in the UK, William also recently supported his wife’s ‘Together at Christmas‘ carol concert at Westminster Abbey, where Catherine made a public appearance amid her gradual return to royal duties following her course of chemotherapy.
