The Countess of Wessex at the Sovereigns Parade
The Countess of Wessex visited the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst to represent the Queen at the Sovereigns Parade. 242 Officer Cadets are passing out after completing 44 weeks of training at Sandhurst. RMA Sandhurst is where all officers in the British Army are trained which includes several members of the royal family including Prince William, Prince Harry, Prince Michael of Kent and Prince Edward Duke of Kent.
During this years inspection, there were 71 women of the 690 cadets. Sophie inspected the cadets before presenting awards to officers. Long Service and Good Conduct Medals and the Sword of Honor were given to some officers by the Countess.
The Parade has a long history with the Royal Family, His Majesty King George VI attended the first parade in 1948 and the Royal Family has several members who served in the Armed forces as well as holding several honorary Military Appointments. The Countess of Wessex is the Royal Colonel of 5th Battalion the Rifles, Colonel-in-Chief of Army Music and Colonel-in-Chief of Queen Alexandria's Royal Army Nursing Corps.
The Countess of Wessex was joined at the Parade by His Majesty the Yang di Pertuan Agong and Her Majesty Raja Permaisuri Agong of Malaysia. The Yang di Pertuan Agong began his military career at Sandhurst in 1978 as an officer cadet.
As the Wessex's usually take breaks from Royal Duty in line with their children's school schedules, The Countess of Wessex will likely be enjoying the Christmas Holiday with her children before joining the rest of the family at Sandringham for Christmas. xx