Royal parade honours UK soldiers after gruelling NATO Kosovo mission
A parade at the Royal Hospital Chelsea honoured soldiers returning from a six-month NATO deployment to Kosovo. The ceremony took place under spring sunshine, with medals presented to members of C Squadron. Families, friends, and Chelsea Pensioners gathered to recognise their service in challenging winter conditions. C Squadron, part of the Household Cavalry Regiment, deployed to Kosovo in October 2025 as part of NATO’s KFOR mission. The 42-strong team included 32 personnel from the regiment, supported by additional attachments. During their tour, temperatures plunged to minus 15 degrees, testing the squadron’s resilience.
The unit handed over duties to the 5th Regiment Royal Artillery on 13 April 2026. Their role contributed to KFOR’s long-standing stabilisation efforts in Kosovo, where UK forces have served since 1999. The government has committed to supporting the mission until at least 2028. HRH The Princess Royal, Colonel of The Blues and Royals, presented the medals at the historic Chelsea site. She was joined by Lieutenant General Sir Edward Smyth-Osbourne, Colonel of The Life Guards, and General Sir Adrian Bradshaw, Governor of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. The Band of the Household Cavalry performed throughout the event, adding to the ceremonial atmosphere.
The parade marked the end of a demanding deployment for C Squadron. Their efforts in Kosovo reinforced NATO’s ongoing presence in the region. The soldiers now return to their home units after completing their six-month tour.
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