King Charles attends historic Formation Parade of The King's Gurkha Artillery

King Charles has marked a landmark moment in British military history by attending the Formation Parade of The King's Gurkha Artillery at Larkhill, celebrating the establishment of the British Army's first ever dedicated Gurkha Artillery regiment.

In his capacity as Captain General of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, the King addressed the assembled soldiers and expressed his deep pride at witnessing the occasion.

The King's words at the parade

The official Instagram account of the British Royal Family shared photographs from the event, accompanying them with a direct quotation from the King's address.

"As Captain General of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, it gives me the greatest pride on this most significant day to witness the formation of your new regiment — The King's Gurkha Artillery. Ajur din ramro cha! [Today is a good day!]," Charles said.

The palace's caption also provided further context: "Today, The King visited the King's Gurkha Artillery at Larkhill for their Formation Parade — a landmark moment marking the creation of the British Army's first dedicated Gurkha Artillery unit."

A regiment rooted in proud tradition

The post revealed that the regiment was formally established in April 2025 and is set to grow to more than 500 personnel by 2029.

"Formally established in April 2025, the regiment draws on a long and proud tradition of Gurkha service to the United Kingdom, and is set to grow to more than 500 personnel by 2029," the caption stated.

To mark the occasion, a new cap badge — the first to be created in 14 years — was unveiled, designed to reflect the expanded role of the Brigade of Gurkhas in modern warfare.

The King in ceremonial uniform

Photographs shared on social media captured King Charles dressed in full ceremonial military uniform, adorned with gold braiding, medals and regimental insignia, as he spoke with soldiers during the parade.

The images also show the King raising a formal salute whilst standing before a line of Gurkha soldiers and officers during the inspection.