The parade formed up under the command of Major David Carter (Officer Commanding British Gurkhas Pokhara). The Royals arrived and a Royal Salute was given and sounded by the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas.

The trainees were then inspected by The Royals, the UK Ambassador to Nepal, Major General Gerald Strickland DSO MBE (Colonel Commandant Brigade of Gurkhas) and Major General Mark Lancaster TD VR PC (Deputy Colonel Commandant Brigade of Gurkhas). A medal presentation for various medals then took place for serving Gurkhas and civilian staff.

The Royal Party then moved to inspect The Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas and was introduced to the Director of Music and Assistant Director of Music, before inspecting and speaking to members of the Band.

The Royal party then returned to the dais, where the trainees recited their pledge to the Brigade of Gurkhas, the British Army, and King Charles III. In small groups, they marched up to one of four tables covered with a Union Jack with a photograph of The King placed on each. They saluted the Royal or senior officer at each table, touched the table, saluted again, and then returned to their positions on the parade.

The Duke of Edinburgh then gave a speech, which praised the trainees on their success at being selected, the excellent parade and he thanked them for volunteering to serve in the British Army, moving so far away from their own country and their families.

Family members travelled from across Nepal to see the parade and say goodbye to their sons for most of the coming year. Those lucky enough to have been selected move to the UK over the coming days to start their 39-week training programme at the Infantry Training Centre, Catterick.

For most the flight to the UK will be the first time they will have been on an airplane. This life-changing opportunity saw 16,000 applicants initially apply for Gurkha Intake 25. The best 274 were selected during Phase 3 selection period at the camp in Pokhara, which took place over the last few weeks.

After the parade a formal group photograph took place. This was followed by a period of time set a side for the Duke and Duchess to meet and converse with the trainees, accompanied by their parents and family members.

This significant engagement opportunity provided the Royals with the chance to interact directly with the trainees and their families, resulting in an exchange of heartfelt sentiments from the Royals and expressions of pride from the parents, who are placing their sons’ futures in the hands of the British Army.