…By Henry George for TDPel Media.
Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, has fulfilled her late father’s lifelong ambition by becoming the colonel-in-chief of his former regiment, the Royal Lancers (Queen Elizabeths’ Own).
To commemorate her new honorary role, Camilla invited Michael de Burgh, a Second World War veteran and dedicated member of the regiment, to Clarence House.
In their meeting, Camilla shared some of her father’s wartime stories with Mr. De Burgh, who will celebrate his 100th birthday on June 11.
As a token of appreciation for his unwavering support for the Royal Lancers over the years, Camilla presented him with the Buchan Medal.
Mr. De Burgh, who is 99 years old, served with the 9th Lancers, which were later merged with the 12th Lancers—the regiment of Camilla’s late father, Major Bruce Shand.
Expressing her father’s desire for her to be associated with this regiment, Camilla remarked, “My father just longed for me to be associated with this regiment and here I am.”
In addition to the medal, Camilla also gifted Mr. De Burgh a copy of Major Shand’s wartime memoirs, titled “Previous Engagements.”
The Duchess presented the book to him during a gathering attended by his children and grandchildren, where they also enjoyed cutting a chocolate birthday cake.
The Royal Lancers, an armored reconnaissance regiment, was formed in 2015 through the amalgamation of the 9th/12th Royal Lancers and The Queen’s Royal Lancers.
In recognition of the close association shared by Queen Elizabeth and the Queen Mother, the regiment adopted the additional title of (Queen Elizabeths’ Own).
Major Shand, Camilla’s father, was awarded the Military Cross in 1940 for his bravery during the retreat to Dunkirk, and again in 1942 for his efforts in North Africa.
He was later wounded and taken prisoner while fighting in North Africa, passing away in June 2006 at the age of 89.
Mr. De Burgh, who hails from Sussex and worked in finance before running a trout farm, developed a social acquaintance with Camilla’s father after the war.
Speaking fondly of Major Shand, he described him as a “lovely man, nice to everybody.”
Mr. De Burgh himself sustained injuries just 14 days before the Allies declared victory in Europe. His gunner was the final member of the 9th Lancers to lose his life during the war.
Lieutenant Colonel Will Richmond, the Commanding Officer of the Royal Lancers, expressed delight over the Queen’s appointment as colonel-in-chief.
He commented, “We really are delighted.
To quote someone more famous than me, ‘it’s been a long time coming,’ and we have long hoped for it.
I understand Her Majesty has been keen to achieve it for a long time.”