A speech by The King at the Commando Training Centre Royal Marines in Lympstone, Devon

Ladies, Gentlemen, and Royal Marines of 362 Troop, The King’s Squad.

It has been a remarkable eighty-five years since my grandfather, King George VI, presented the King’s Badge to the best recruit in the King’s Squad, and I am so very pleased and proud to be able to do the same here today, and in this, the 360th Birthday year of the Royal Marines. As a celebration of this most momentous anniversary, I am delighted to announce that forthwith the Royal Marines Sword of Honour will be called The King’s Sword, and the Royal Marine of the Year will be renamed The King’s Royal Marine of the Year.

As history has demonstrated, the Royal Marines have continued to remain at the very heart of our Nation’s defence, standing steadfast at the vanguard of change. Today marks not just the end of your rigorous Commando training, with which I am all too familiar! – culminating in the presentation of your Green Berets, but also the beginning of your service in one of the most formidable and revered forces in the world.

From amphibious operations to extreme climates, you are joining a specialist Service that has long been devoted to preserving and pioneering our Nation’s military strength, alongside our allies and partners at home and abroad. It is this operational excellence, underpinned by your unique skillset and training, which will ensure that all of you, as Royal Marines, will help to perpetuate our peace and freedom, both now and in the future.

As your Captain General, I can only express my pride in each and every one of you, together with my admiration for passing such a demanding course.

Above all, I wish you every possible success and good fortune as you embark on your future service to our Nation, during which I feel sure you will have a “hoofing” time in your respective units! We are fortunate indeed to be able to rely on you – as well as on those families here today who so loyally support you.

Per Mare Per Terram (By Sea, By Land)