The Countess of Wessex undertook her first engagement since the birth of her son, Viscount Severn, in December 2007 with a visit to Paderborn Army Base in Germany.
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The Countess of Wessex inspects armoured vehicles accompanied by officers from 5 Rifles
© Corporal James Williams RLC |
The Army base is currently home to the 5th Battalion The Rifles of whom Her Royal Highness is Royal Patron.
The Rifles are preparing for operational duties later in the year, and The Countess, who was made Royal Patron in 2007, had the opportunity to learn more about their history and their ongoing work.
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Her Royal Highness meets soldiers from the Battalion in Paderborn
© Corporal James Williams RLC |
She met soldiers who explained and demonstrated their specific duties and skills and was encouraged to take a ‘hands-on’ role, climbing onto, and into, armoured vehicles and even commanding one during a brief ride around the parade ground.
In the evening, Her Royal Highness was ‘dined-into’ the Mess when a Regimental dinner was held in her honour. On arrival, The Countess was met by a Guard of Honour and Buglers from the Battalion who greeted her with her own personal fanfare.
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The Countess signs the visitors’ book at the Warrant Officers’ and Sergeants’ Mess
© Corporal James Williams RLC |
The following day was very much a family affair, as The Countess of Wessex visited families and single soldiers in their military accommodation and spoke to them about Army life. She also learnt more about the support offered to soldiers and their families by the Welfare Centre on the base which helps arrange relocations for families moving to Germany from around the world.
During her day on the base, Her Royal Highness presented a number of medals, including a Meritorious Service Medal and a number of Long Service and Good Conduct medals.
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Her Royal Highness meets families at the Families Centre
© Corporal James Williams RLC |
Lieutenant Colonel Edward Chamberlain, the Commanding Officer of the 5th Battalion, said of The Countess’s visit:
‘We’ve been extraordinarily honoured to have her stay for 24 hours. People really do appreciate that. It will give the whole garrison, and particularly the Battalion and its families a real lift.’ |
