The Duchess of Edinburgh recently visited the Warcop Training Area in Cumbria, blending seamlessly into the rugged landscape in her camouflage attire. As Colonel-in-Chief of
The Queen’s Own Yeomanry, Sophie joined the reservists for a day of training exercises, observing their operations and engaging with the regiment’s leadership and personnel.
The Queen’s Own Yeomanry is a light armoured reconnaissance unit specializing in intelligence gathering on enemy movements and environmental conditions. Equipped with cutting-edge weaponry, advanced thermal imaging technology, and modern battlefield communication systems, the regiment plays a crucial role in military operations.
Founded in 1971, The Queen’s Own Yeomanry has a distinguished history, with Sophie appointed as its Royal Colonel in 2023. Her military connections extend further, as she was also named Colonel-in-Chief of The Royal Irish Regiment that same year, a role bestowed upon her by King Charles.
Beyond these roles, Sophie holds multiple honorary military appointments, including Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Corps of Army Music and the Corps of Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Royal Colonel of the 5th Battalion The Rifles, Honorary Air Commodore of Royal Air Force Wittering, and Deputy Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Army Medical Service.
A strong advocate for military personnel, the Duchess also hosts an annual competition—the Duchess of Edinburgh Cup, formerly known as the Countess of Wessex Cup—which challenges members of her affiliated units in rigorous tests of physical and mental skill.
Her recent visit to Cumbria underscores her continued dedication to the armed forces, reinforcing her hands-on approach to supporting Britain’s military community. Photo by royalcentral.co.uk
