On a chilly December evening at Combermere Barracks in Windsor, the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards welcomed a familiar face to their Christmas celebrations: Prince William, the Prince of Wales. The prince, who has served as the regiment’s colonel since 2023, made a surprise appearance on Thursday, December 11, 2025, joining the troops for a festive pint and helping to serve dessert to the junior ranks—a gesture that was met with smiles and camaraderie all around.
According to BBC, Prince William’s visit was more than just a seasonal drop-in. The event marked another chapter in a long-standing relationship between the prince and the Welsh Guards, a connection that stretches back to his 2003 gap year when he accompanied the regiment in the jungles of Belize. Since then, his involvement has become a regular fixture on the royal calendar, underlining both his personal commitment and the royal family's ongoing support for Britain’s armed forces.
The prince’s role as colonel of the regiment is a significant one, handed down from his father, King Charles, when the latter ascended to the throne in 2023. Over the past two years, Prince William has been a visible and active leader, attending key events and engaging directly with the soldiers under his charge. This year’s Christmas party was no exception. After helping to dish out pudding to the junior ranks—a tradition that brings together officers and soldiers in a spirit of unity—Prince William raised a pint with members of the 1st Battalion, sharing laughs and stories in the barracks’ festive atmosphere.
On social media, the Prince and Princess of Wales shared their gratitude and pride, posting: “Proud to be Colonel of the Regiment - and to serve pudding to the Junior Ranks this year! A huge thank you to the soldiers and families of the Welsh Guards for everything you do.” The message resonated with many, acknowledging not just the service members themselves but also the families who support them throughout the year.
This year’s gathering was far from the only time Prince William has joined the Welsh Guards for important milestones. Last November, he observed the regiment’s live firing exercises on Salisbury Plain, where he was given a tour of the training ground and shown a range of military equipment, including small drones. The battalion’s senior operator, as reported by BBC, described the prince’s handling of the drones as “good,” even suggesting that the future king “could be trained up.” It was a lighthearted but genuine nod to William’s willingness to get hands-on with the latest military technology.
Earlier in 2023, Prince William and the Princess of Wales—who now serves as Colonel of the Irish Guards, taking over William’s former post—participated in the regiment’s St David’s Day parade. The royal couple delivered speeches and took part in the cherished tradition of presenting handmade leeks to officers and soldiers, a symbol of Welsh pride and heritage. These moments, both ceremonial and informal, have helped solidify the bond between the royal family and the Welsh Guards, reinforcing a sense of continuity and respect.
The 1st Battalion Welsh Guards is no stranger to high-profile duties. The regiment played prominent roles in some of the United Kingdom’s most significant recent events, including the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III in 2023. Their precision, discipline, and pageantry have made them a fixture at national ceremonies, while their operational readiness and adaptability have ensured their relevance in the modern era.
Beyond the parade grounds and formal occasions, the Welsh Guards have also found themselves in the media spotlight. The battalion has been featured in several BBC documentaries, most notably the BAFTA Cymru-winning 2024 film Helmand: Tour of Duty. This documentary offered viewers an intimate look at the realities of military life, from the camaraderie and challenges faced on deployment to the pride and responsibility that comes with representing one’s country. The recognition from BAFTA Cymru underscored the regiment’s enduring impact, both within the armed forces and in the public imagination.
For Prince William, these connections are deeply personal. His early experiences with the Welsh Guards in Belize left a lasting impression, shaping his understanding of military service and the sacrifices it entails. Over the years, he has made a point of staying engaged with the regiment, whether by attending live-fire exercises, participating in parades, or sharing a drink and a laugh at the annual Christmas party. Such gestures, while symbolic, carry real weight for those who serve. They signal not only royal endorsement but also genuine appreciation for the day-to-day realities faced by soldiers and their families.
During the Christmas celebration at Combermere Barracks, the atmosphere was one of warmth and festivity. Soldiers mingled with their colonel, enjoying a rare moment of relaxation amid the demands of military life. The act of serving dessert to junior ranks, though simple, was rich with meaning—a reminder that leadership is not just about command, but about service and solidarity. As The Independent reported, the prince’s surprise appearance was met with enthusiasm, reinforcing the close-knit nature of the regiment and its leadership.
Social media played its part in amplifying the event, with footage and photographs shared widely by the Prince and Princess of Wales. These posts offered the public a glimpse into the traditions and camaraderie that define the Welsh Guards, while also highlighting the royal family’s ongoing engagement with the armed forces. The message of thanks extended beyond the barracks, resonating with military families and supporters across the country.
Looking back over the past two years, it’s clear that Prince William’s tenure as colonel of the Welsh Guards has been marked by active participation and heartfelt appreciation. From the jungles of Belize to the parade grounds of Windsor, his journey with the regiment has spanned continents and generations. His involvement in major national events, hands-on approach to training, and willingness to engage directly with soldiers have all contributed to a sense of continuity and pride within the regiment.
As the Welsh Guards look ahead to another year of service and ceremony, the bond between the regiment and its royal colonel remains strong. The Christmas celebration at Combermere Barracks was more than just a festive gathering—it was a testament to tradition, leadership, and the enduring connection between Britain’s armed forces and the royal family. In a world often marked by change and uncertainty, such moments of unity and gratitude serve as a powerful reminder of the values that hold communities together.
