Our Patron
His Majesty King Charles III
KG KT GCB OM AK QSO PC ADC
SUPPORT OUR PARAS is very proud to have His Majesty King Charles III as their Royal Patron, a title he has held for many years. His Majesty is also the Colonel in Chief of The Parachute Regiment, an appointment he has held since 11 June 1977.
In April 1978, he attended Basic Parachute Course 841A at No.2 Parachute Training School, RAF Brize Norton. His Majesty felt he could not “look them in the eye” or wear The Parachute Regiment’s famous maroon beret and para wings unless he had done the course. He told his biographer, Jonathan Dimbleby, 15 years later, “I felt I should lead from the front or at least be able to do some of the things that one expects others to do for the country.”
His Majesty has maintained close links with The Parachute Regiment ever since. His most recent significant engagements include the presentation of campaign medals in 2008 and 2011, a parade to mark the 40th Anniversary of his being appointed as Colonel in Chief in 2017, attendance at the commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Arnhem in 2019 and the presentation of new colours to the three Regular PARA Battalions in 2021. In addition to these major events, he regularly visits all the Battalions, always spending time with both the soldiers and their families.
