THE DUKE OF SUSSEX TO VISIT THE ROYAL MARINES COMMANDO TRAINING CENTRE
Lympstone, Devon
Thursday 13th September, 2018
The Duke of Sussex will visit The Royal Marines Commando Training Centre in Lympstone for the first time in his role as Captain General Royal Marines. His Royal Highness will have the opportunity to explore the Centre and meet new recruits undergoing training in order to learn more about the process of becoming a Royal Marine. The Commando Training Centre at Lympstone selects and trains all Royal Marines Officers, recruits and reserves. On average, 1,300 recruits, 2,000 potential recruits and 400 potential officers attend training courses and acquaint courses there every year. The Duke will also meet the Invictus Games Racing Team, which includes former Royal Marine Commandos Steve McCulley and Paul Vice MC, who will be using Lympstone on the day for a team bonding exercise.
The Duke will arrive at the Centre in a Royal Navy Wildcat Maritime Attack Helicopter drawn from the Commando Helicopter Force, who provide crucial aerial support to the Royal Marines. His Royal Highness will receive a ceremonial welcome at the Centre before meeting recruits training in the gym and commando assault course. The Duke will also learn about the support services on offer to Royal Marines, such as the onsite rehabilitation centre, the Royal Marines charity and a regular family group called ‘Who Let The Dads Out’ at which Marines families take time to chat, play and have a cup of tea once a week.
Also onsite at the Commando Training Centre on the 13th September will be the Invictus Games Racing Team. The Duke will have the opportunity to meet the team and see their specially adapted racing cars. Formed in 2017, Invictus Games Racing is a collaborative project with the Invictus Games Foundation that has seen injured ex-service personnel compete in two specially commissioned Jaguar GT4 race cars in the 2018 British GT Championship. The team comprises four ex-service personnel from the Royal Marines, the RAF and the Parachute Regiment, in addition to two professional drivers.
The Duke will conclude the day at Lympstone with a ceremonial sword presentation on the steps of the centre.
The Duke of Sussex became Captain General Royal Marines in December 2017 and assumed the role in succession to his grandfather The Duke of Edinburgh who was Captain General for 64 years.
