Prince William arrived in Wiltshire earlier today to visit the 1 Mercian Regiment in his role as Colonel-in-Chief. The purpose of the Prince of Wales' visit was to speak to a female network of soldiers and hear directly what it is like to be a woman in the Armed Forces.

Dressed in army fatigues, William first joined a conversation with a group of female soldiers, which gave him the opportunity to hear first-hand about their experiences. Women make up approximately 12 per cent of the UK Regular Forces, with the goal to increase this to 30 per cent by 2030.

To round off the visit, he presented three long-service and good-conduct medals to soldiers.

After he spoke with the group about their experiences, he observed training drills in the regiment’s bespoke urban training facility, experimenting with drones in urban combat.

Following a demonstration of urban drills, the Prince had the opportunity to operate a drone used to support the Section.

William then joined a coffee morning, where he met officers, soldiers, and families of B Company to hear about their experiences during a recent deployment to Estonia.

The Mercian Regiment continues to serve as a cornerstone of the British Army’s frontline combat capability. The regiment is currently tasked with high-intensity, close-quarter engagements using a sophisticated array of weaponry, such as the SA80 A3 rifle and the Warrior Armoured Infantry Fighting Vehicle with and 30mm cannon.

Historically recruited from the five counties that formed the ancient kingdom of Mercia and known as The Heart of England’s Infantry, the regiment was formed on September 1, 2007.

The Battalion has been deployed on more than fifteen operational tours since its formation, making it one of the most operationally experienced.