The King Welcomes The King's Gurkha Artillery
The Royal Artillery (RA) and the Brigade of Gurkhas were honoured to welcome His Majesty King Charles III as the Inspecting Officer for the official formation parade of The King’s Gurkha Artillery (KGA) on 4 June 2026. The parade took place at the Royal Artillery Barracks, Larkhill, home to the RA and now the KGA.
His Majesty was received with a 21 gun salute before being presented with a traditional mala flower garland. Children of Gurkha families then stepped forward to offer flowers to the King, adding a warm and personal touch to the occasion.
Field Marshal Richards GCB, CBE, DSO, DL, and Lieutenant General Elviss CB, MBE (Master Gunner RA) accompanied His Majesty throughout the parade.
The Parade Commander was Lieutenant Colonel Michael Fletcher, while Major Lalit Bahadur Gurung (Gurkha Major KGA) escorted the King during the inspection.
The King’s Gurkha Orderly Officers were also on parade as escorts to His Majesty.
Formally established in April 2025, the KGA builds on the long and distinguished history of Gurkha service to the United Kingdom. The regiment is expected to grow to more than 500 personnel by 2029. Its new cap badge, the first created for a British Army unit in 14 years, marks this significant moment in the Army’s evolution.
In his address, His Majesty celebrated the establishment of the British Army’s newest regiment and expressed his pride in witnessing the formation of the KGA in his role as Captain General of the Royal Artillery.
The parade also featured the first public performance of the new KGA regimental march, composed by Captain David Hatton, Director of Music of the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas.
After the parade the King met with Gurkha soldiers, officers and families in the Officers Mess. He welcomed the opportunity to engage with all ranks and discuss the development of the KGA and about life in the British Army and the UK for Gurkha families.
