The royal visit included a treat for the monarch as he was given a ride in a Challenger 2 battle tank.
The King arrived at the Tank Museum in Bovington today in a lavish 1920s Pattern Rolls-Royce armoured car and the sound of bagpipes as the centre played host to its Families’ Day, bringing together the relatives of the regiment’s personnel.
The visit was of special significance, as it was the King’s first to the regiment since becoming Colonel-in-Chief in 2023.
King Charles III, Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Tank Regiment (RTR), meets RTR soldiers on parade during a visit to the RTR Families’ Day at the Tank Museum in Bovington, Dorset. Picture date: Monday July 6, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: (Image: Chris Jackson/PA Wire)
The late Queen arrived on the same vehicle when she visited the museum in 1997 to mark the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai.
The King first met with four of the Royal Tank Regiments former Colonels-Commandant, who each served as the ceremonial head of the regiment, followed by a tour inside the museum and the Tank Story Hall.
Inside, he spoke to members of the museum about what it takes to preserve the historic military vehicles and the significance of tanks from the First World War up to the modern day.
King Charles III, Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Tank Regiment (RTR), meets former RTR and museum staff in the exhibition hall during a visit to the RTR Families’ Day at the Tank Museum in Bovington, Dorset. Picture date: Monday July 6, 2026. PA Photo. (Image: Chris Jackson/PA Wire)
Chris Price, Chief Executive Officer at the museum, speaking after he met him, said: “It has been weeks in planning in secret, and the team delivered it absolutely spot on.
“We spoke about the museum and how important it is to the Royal Tank Regiment. It has been a great lift for the museum and the staff enjoyed seeing him today. It makes what we do worthwhile.”
Chief Executive Officer of the Tank Museum, Bovington (Image: Chloe Boden)
Outside, the King presented medals to soldiers on parade including wider service medals for Operation CABRIT in Estonia, long service, good conduct medals and commendations. 80 medals were presented to personnel on the day in total.
Corporal Matthew Hill received the wider service medal and a bar for his service in Estonia under Operation CABRIT.
Corporal Matthew Hill, Chloe Abraham-Phillips and daughters Lillie (1) and Frankie (2) (Image: Chloe Boden)
With his family, he said: “It’s really nice to experience, especially on a day like this. This is where we do all of our work so to receive a bit of recognition… it’s great stuff.”
Lance Corporal William Howe was also joined by his partner Ellenor Gracey and father David Howe to receive the wider service medal and bar. It was his first time meeting the King and described the moment he stood in front of him as surreal.
Lance Corporal William Howe, with partner Ellenor Gracey and father David Howe (Image: Chloe Boden)
His father David said: “I’m proud of him every day. Immensely proud.”
After chatting with family members, some of whom were visibly emotional to have met royalty, the King was then given a tour of the Challenger 3 tank, the army’s newest battle tank, and was informed on the advancement of drone equipment being used on the frontline.
King Charles III, Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Tank Regiment (RTR), during a visit to the RTR Families’ Day at the Tank Museum in Bovington, Dorset. Picture date: Monday July 6, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Chris Jackson/PA Wire (Image: Chris Jackson/PA Wire)
Wearing a crew guard helmet and sitting in the commander seat, Charles, sitting was then taken for a ride around the museum’s arena in a Challenger 2 tank where families watched on in the sunshine.
King Charles III, Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Tank Regiment (RTR), rides in a Challenger 2 Main Battle Tank during a visit to the RTR Families’ Day at the Tank Museum in Bovington, Dorset. Picture date: Monday July 6, 2026. PA Photo. Photo credit (Image: Chris Jackson/PA Wire)
Commanding Officer Thomas Lloyd-Jukes described that the ability to showcase the museum, that he described as the ‘best in the world’, as well as highlighting the regiment’s soldiers and families, was the best opportunity.
Commanding Officer Thomas Lloyd-Jukes (Image: Chloe Boden)
He said: “It is hard for our families when we are away. Our soldiers who were in Estonia were away for a long period and yet our families have got to keep going.
“Normal life can be difficult and life can be challenging. Therefore, for them to receive that recognition as well as have the king spend time with out families, is really important.”
