Inside Prince William's secret trip to Army barracks as part of very important role

By Casey Cooper-Fiske, News Reporter

Prince William has visited the Welsh Guards at Combermere Barracks in Windsor (Image: Kensington Palace)

Prince William has made a secret trip to army barracks today as part of an important role he holds in one force in particular.

The Prince of Wales visited Windsor's Combermere Barracks in his role as colonel of the regiment, chatting to soldiers and learning more about their work.

It is thought the Ministry of Defence (MOD) asked for his visit to be kept a secret.

William took on the role of colonel after his father King Charles, who previously held the role, became King.

He last visited the guards alongside Kate Middleton in March last year as they took part in a St David's Day parade addressing troops and also speaking to members of the 5th Royal Australian Regiment about their role in training Ukrainian armed forces in the UK.

Prince William sharing a joke with the soldiers (Image: Kensington Palace)

Before the parade began the prince's role as colonel saw him present leeks, which feature on the cap badge of the regiment, to the officers and guardsmen.

He also gave a speech to rank-and-file to soldiers where he said the Welsh Guards' "banter" had helped him get through his own time in the regiment.

Following his most recent visit, William posted on Twitter: "As colonel, Welsh Guards, it’s always a pleasure visiting the barracks to speak with the soldiers, hear plans for their future, and witness the great work the battalion does with physical and mental rehabilitation."

During his speech last year the Prince of Wales finished his speech with the group motto Cymru am byth, which means Welsh for Wales forever.

It comes after police were forced to deny they had launched an investigation into an attempt to look up Kate's medical records at the London Clinic.

Royal experts believe William will now focus on "driving forwards" amid speculation over the Princess of Wales' whereabouts.