The Queen becomes the first Patron of The Rifleman's Association
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![The Queen has become patron of The Rifleman's Association](/sites/default/files/styles/460x460/public/images/2024-08/processed-98CBD24D-D024-47F5-8917-9F6839F689AF.jpeg?itok=dk-LcnYr)
The Queen, Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles, has become the first Patron of The Rifleman's Association.
The organisation offers a forum for serving and veteran Riflemen of all ranks, along with their families, to stay connected with the regiment, providing friendship, support, and assistance.
![The then Duchess of Cornwall attends a medals parade](/sites/default/files/styles/920xh/public/images/2024-08/PA-42618943.jpg?itok=uY2_d73c)
The Rifleman's Association oversees the Always a Rifleman Programme, a suicide prevention and mental wellness initiative, and Care for Casualties, which supports families and Riflemen affected by the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns.
![The then Duchess of Cornwall speaks to Riflemen during her first visit to the 1st Battalion](/sites/default/files/styles/920xh/public/images/2024-08/PA-55372456.jpg?itok=IUpshXcW)
The Rifles, the British Army's largest infantry regiment, encompasses 5 pillars: 4 Regular Battalions, 3 Reserve Battalions, RIFLES Affiliated Cadets, Veterans and their families of The Rifles and its Antecedent and Forming Regiments, and the communities across the UK with which the regiment has long and cherished historical links.
![The then Duchess of Cornwall attends a ceremony at Highgrove House for the transfer of the Colonel-in-Chief of the Rifles](/sites/default/files/styles/920xh/public/images/2024-08/PA-54688332.jpg?itok=K6-nCLnR)
The Queen became Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles in 2020, taking over from The late Duke of Edinburgh.
![The late Duke of Edinburgh during a ceremony for the transfer of Colonel-in-Chief of the Rifles](/sites/default/files/styles/920xh/public/images/2024-08/PA-54687892.jpg?itok=rthpRH9e)
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