King Charles made his first visit to the Royal Tank Regiment as its colonel-in-chief on July 6, 2026, attending the regiment’s family day at the Bovington Tank Museum in Dorset. The visit marked a significant moment since he succeeded his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II, as head of the regiment in 2023.

Arriving at Bovington aboard a 1920 Pattern Rolls-Royce armoured car—the same model Queen Elizabeth used during her visit to the museum in 1997 to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the Battle of Cambrai—the King engaged in a series of activities highlighting the regiment’s history and current capabilities. The event celebrated the regiment’s legacy and provided an opportunity for families of personnel to participate.

During the visit, Charles toured the museum’s Tank Story Hall, where he learned about the development and impact of tanks from World War I through to modern times. He also met with four former Colonels-Commandant of the regiment and presented several medals, including awards for Operation Cabrit in Estonia, long service, good conduct, and commendations.

A highlight of the day was the King’s inspection of the British Army’s newest tank, the Challenger 3, which features the latest technological advancements. He then took a ride in a Challenger 2 tank around the museum’s arena. In a light-hearted moment afterward, Charles described the ride as “very slow” when asked about his experience inside the vehicle.

The visit not only reaffirmed Charles’s role as colonel-in-chief but also underscored the ongoing importance of the Royal Tank Regiment within the British Army. The event combined recognition of historical achievements with a focus on current and future military readiness, reflecting the regiment’s evolving role over more than a century.