King 'proud' to see newly formed Gurkha unit

King Charles III has praised the "determination and commitment" of the newly formed King's Gurkha Artillery unit.

The monarch watched as the troops took part in a formation parade at Larkhill Barracks in Wiltshire.

The King was greeted with a 21-gun salute and presented with a large traditional mala flower garland, which was placed around his neck.

The parade celebrated the creation of the Army's first dedicated Gurkha Artillery Unit. King Charles said it showed the "enduring and deeply valued relationship between the United Kingdom and Nepal".

The monarch added: "I am immensely proud to see you on parade today".

He met military staff and families and posed for an official portrait with the soldiers.

The unit was formally established in April 2025.

The monarch explained the King's Gurkha Artillery now allows Gurkhas to serve "across the full spectrum of capability within the British Army".

The King told the troops: "I can only offer you all my sincere thanks for your determination and commitment in stepping forward at the beginning of this important new chapter."

Over the next three years, 400 Gurkha personnel will join the unit.

The King's Gurkha Artillery draws upon a long tradition of Gurkha service in artillery roles and continues a tradition of military service to the UK.

Gurkhas served in the Bombay Artillery before World War One, and about 85 were gunners during World War Two.

Gurkha gunners will serve across a number of Royal Artillery regiments in support of 1st Division, 3rd Division and 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team.

They will be trained on advanced equipment, including the Archer and Light Gun artillery systems as well as the remote-controlled Howitzer 155 artillery system, the government has said.

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