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Sovereign's 200
On Friday 14th April 2023, the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst hosted its 200th Sovereign's Parade. At this very special parade, the Sovereign, King Charles III was in attendance, his first visit to the event as monarch.
Since the first parade in 1948, Sovereign's and their representatives have included HRH King George VI, HRH Queen Elizabeth II, King Abdullah of Jordan and HRH The Prince of Wales.
To celebrate these 200 parades, the Sandhurst Trust, in collaboration with the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and the Sandhurst Collection, brings you Sovereign's 200. A collection of photos, videos, articles and memories celebrating the parades that have taken place at RMAS from 1948-2023.
Where it all began in 1948
14th July 1948 - The first Passing Out Parade at the newly formed Royal Military Academy Sandhurst took place for Intake 1. At the parade taken by His Majesty King George VI, he made this announcement about renaming the Parade.
20th October 1948 - The first Sovereign's Parade for Intake 1A was taken by General Sir James Steele, K.B.E, C.B., D.S.O., M.C., L.L.D., Adjutant-General to the Forces.
Officer Cadets from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst prepare for Sovereign's Parade. More...
This unique parade was the first passing out parade of the R.M.A. Sandhurst, and it was th More...
The first official Sovereign's Parade took place on Wednesday 20th October 1948. More...
In July 1949, HRH The Princess Elizabeth, Duchess of Edinburgh take her first Sovereign's More...
Blues were worn for the first time since WW1 in this Sovereign's Parade for Intake 7 in 19 More...
At the Sovereign's Parade on 28th July 1955, Her Majesty the Queen was represented by Fiel More...
Intake 1 - 14th July 1948H
RH King George VI
Officer Cadets of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, it is just over a year ago I gave you your new Colours and I am glad to be here again today to see a passing-out parade which included for the time the future officers of every branch of the British Army.
I congratulate you on your turn-out and on the smartness of your drill. Both are excellent. Both are worthy of the best traditions of Woolwich and of Sandhurst and are visible proof that the project which was begun here two years ago was sound and that it has been successfully carried out.
Queen Elizabeth
29th July 1965 - Intake 35
You have learnt here that an officer must be, above all else, a leader; a person whom men will follow into danger, discomfort, and every ordeal which nature, climate or a human enemy can contrive. Remember always that the best and purest form of leadership is example; that 'Come on' is a much better command than ' Go on '.
CC162 - 11th August
King Abdulla II of Jordan
It's not the first time I have had the privilege to attend the Sovereign's Parade. Many years ago I was a cadet standing where you are now. The memories of that day have stayed with me making it a distinct pleasure to address today's cadets and Academy Staff, their families and friends and the distinguished guests who join us.
My first-hand experience also allows me have a fair idea of what is occupying the minds of those present. The Commandant and his staff are thinking, well it’s been a great day so far, they’re hoping that my speech doesn’t rain on the parade. The graduating cadets are thinking hurry it up along, Sir, they want to get up those steps. The parents are thinking no, no don’t rush the tributes to our sons and daughters. Nothing could be a prouder moment for the families and friends of these fine cadets, and I should know my son Hussein is one of them.
CC 222 - April 2023
King Charles III
"It is the lifelong friendships which are forged through shared hardship, and the humour you find in the darkest hours of the coldest, wettest nights, which remain with you."
Officer Cadets of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, it is just over a year ago I gave you your new Colours and I am glad to be here again today to see a passing-out parade which included for the time the future officers of every branch of the British Army.
I congratulate you on your turn-out and on the smartness of your drill. Both are excellent. Both are worthy of the best traditions of Woolwich and of Sandhurst and are visible proof that the project which was begun here two years ago was sound and that it has been successfully carried out.
You have learnt here that an officer must be, above all else, a leader; a person whom men will follow into danger, discomfort, and every ordeal which nature, climate or a human enemy can contrive. Remember always that the best and purest form of leadership is example; that 'Come on' is a much better command than ' Go on '.
It's not the first time I have had the privilege to attend the Sovereign's Parade. Many years ago I was a cadet standing where you are now. The memories of that day have stayed with me making it a distinct pleasure to address today's cadets and Academy Staff, their families and friends and the distinguished guests who join us.
My first-hand experience also allows me have a fair idea of what is occupying the minds of those present. The Commandant and his staff are thinking, well it’s been a great day so far, they’re hoping that my speech doesn’t rain on the parade. The graduating cadets are thinking hurry it up along, Sir, they want to get up those steps. The parents are thinking no, no don’t rush the tributes to our sons and daughters. Nothing could be a prouder moment for the families and friends of these fine cadets, and I should know my son Hussein is one of them.
"It is the lifelong friendships which are forged through shared hardship, and the humour you find in the darkest hours of the coldest, wettest nights, which remain with you."
