WINCHESTER saw one of the biggest military parades in recent times with more than 500 soldiers marching through the city centre.
The Royal Logistic Corps marked the recent conferring of freedom of the city to march down the High Street and parade at the Guildhall with their Colonel in Chief the Princess Royal taking the salute under the Royal Standard fluttering above.
The corps also celebrated the 30th anniversary of the formation of the unit in 1993.
Around 500 soldiers from the corps, the largest in the British Army, were accompanied by three bands - the Band of the Royal Gurkha Rifles, the pipes and drums of the Royal Logistics Corps and the bagpipes of the 152 Regiment Royal Logistic Corps Northern Ireland.
Hundreds of members of the public lined the streets to watch the march from Peninsula Barracks. Soldiers had practiced at 4am this morning after a security sweep ensured the area was safe.
READ MORE HERE: Sacked hospital doctor speaks for the first time about ordeal
As well as serving soldiers the parade also included veterans, with some wearing bowler hats and others in Chelsea Pensioner uniform, and cadets.
The Princess Royal arrived in a Chinook helicopter which flew low over the city centre to mark the event before landing at North Walls Recreation Ground.
The parade marching down the High Street
The Princess Royal inspected the soldiers, stopping to speak to several, as did Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire Nigel Atkinson.
Among the watching public were family of members of the RLC. Jo Chant, 56, of Chandler's Ford, was there to see her son Captain Chris Chant, 27. She said: "I love the history of Winchester and love everything to do with the military. I feel very proud."
Major Mark Player, of the Royal Logistic Corps, said: "It is an honour for us march today, something quite special. It is hard work but at the end you feel ten feet tall. One or two of the officers here today marched at the corps' first parade in 1993."
Welcoming the Princess Royal, the Mayor Angela Clear said it was a special day strengthening the city's links with the military.
SEE MORE: Free overnight parking to end in Winchester city centre
"The City of Winchester guards its rights and privileges jealously. Freedom of the city is an hour that is granted as a rare gift. These rights have been granted to home and guest regiments with whom the city feels safe."
The Princess Royal paid tribute to the regiment which played a key role in helping the NHS during the Covid pandemic.
She said: "I thank the City of Winchester for honouring the corps, for recognising it as a highly valued member of your community."
Among the civic dignitaries were city and county councillors, the Recorder of Winchester Judge Angela Morris, Chief Constable Scott Chilton, chief coroner Chris Wilkinson and police and crime commissioner Donna Jones.
There were numerous police officers lining the route but the parade passed off without incident.
The Princess Royal with the Mayor of Winchester Cllr Angela Clear
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here