UNITED KINGDOM, Friday 15 April 2011 – His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Mu’izzadin Waddaulah ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Haji Omar ‘Ali Saifuddien Sa’adul Khairi Waddien, the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, has consented to represent Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second at the Sovereign’s Parade Commissioning Course One Hundred and Two (102) , Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, RMAS, United Kingdom.
Prior to the Sovereign’s Parade, His Majesty consented to attend a reception at the Government House. His Majesty was welcomed at the reception by the Honourable Mrs Baliss, Lord Lieutenant of Berkshire; the Commander of RMAS, Major General Patrick Marriott and his wife.
The Sovereign’s Parade began with His Majesty’s arrival at the Parade Ground with full traditional military honour. His Majesty, accompanied by the RMAS Commandant, then walked up past the command force along the King’s Walk. His Majesty then mounted the royal dais and was immediately received by the parade with a royal salute.
His Majesty’s consent was then sought to inspect the parade, mounted by the Sovereign Platoon, along with three companies of intake 102 who had completed their training. Among these graduates from the world-renowned Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst was His Royal Highness Prince ‘Abdul Mateen.
The passing out parade then held a marchpast in slow motion, before His Majesty. 188 cadets commissioned into the British Army in this parade, as well as 16 overseas cadets from 11 nations, together made history.
This highly prestigious Sovereign Parade brought back sweet memories of His Majesty’s visit in 1986, when His Majesty, for the first time, represented Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Second in a similar ceremony. Yesterday, His Majesty was at Sandhurst once again, not only representing Her Majesty the Queen, but at the same time celebrating the success of His Majesty’s son, who has followed in His Majesty’s footsteps as an elite army personnel, graduating from a world-renowned military academy.
TITAH 1
“It gives me great pleasure to come back here to Sandhurst to have the honour once more of representing Her Majesty the Queen at this Sovereign’s Parade. I first had this honour in 1986 and I had also attended the Academy as a cadet in 1966. The links between Great Britain and my own country have always been close and I am therefore personally delighted, on Her Majesty’s behalf and also as a proud parent, to bear witness to the commissioning of Course Number 102 which includes my son. This is very much a multinational occasion. In addition to the 188 cadets being commissioned into the British Army, there are 16 overseas cadets from 11 nations. All of us need Allies in this uncertain world and the presence of a British Garrison in my country is an example of a mutually beneficial link that is very welcome.
I would hope that your shared experiences will have forged great friendships with each other which you will value for the rest of your lives. This has been a marvellous occasion for all involved. I would like to congratulate you all on the excellence of today’s parade. Your turnout, your bearing and your drill have been of the highest standard. They reflect great credit on you and your instructors. They are in the best traditions of this academy, and I am sure that all your parents and your loved ones are very proud of you”
His Majesty, in his titah, said Sandhurst is one of the greatest training institutions in the world. It is a world-renowned training institution towards developing excellent cadets.
TITAH 2
“Sandhurst is one of the greatest training institutions in the world. It will have been tough at times for all of you. But you have all achieved your objectives to be commissioned as officers into your respective Armies. I know you will look back on this day as d defining moment in your life. As newly commissioned officers, you are carrying on the traditions that have been developed and sustained for nearly 200 years, starting with the first intake of cadets who started here in 1812, that included men who went on to fight at the Battle of Waterloo. I would especially like to congratulate the overseas cadets. For you, the last 12 months will have been a particular challenge. I remember it all too well. Maybe the challenge was the culture, the language or simply the weather. But whatever it was, I hope that your memories of Sandhurst, like mine, will be happy ones. I know you will be proud to be a graduate of this Academy. I hope you will have made some life-long friends, and like me, you will come to think of the United Kingdom as your second home. I wish you well as you go back to serve your countries. I congratulate you on your choice of carrier.
There is no greater honour that can be bestowed upon you, than the trust to lead your fellow men and women in the defence of your nation. You could not have chosen a better life – one that presents greater challenges that demands more of you in physical and moral terms, or that offers greater rewards in terms of personal fulfilment. For all of you, the real work starts now. Many of you will shortly find yourselves in command of soldiers on operations. It is a sobering thought, a most serious business, but one for which you are well prepared. I am sure that the pride of your parents today will be tinged with anxiety about your future. Some of you will be relishing the prospect of command; some will be anxious about meeting its demands.
However, I assure you that you would not be commissioned today if you had not already demonstrated the qualities needed to succeed in command. But don’t forget that you and your soldiers need some balance in your lives and there should always be time for sport and adventure. Today is about you and what you will do. I salute you for your commitment and for what you have achieved. Now march up those steps behind you with pride and style and uphold the standards of those generations that have gone before you. I wish you every success in all your future endeavours”
His Majesty then consented to present three awards. The Queen’s Medal was awarded to the overall best Officer Cadet. The Sword of Honour was presented to the best Officer Cadet in training, while the Overseas Sword was awarded to the best overseas Officer Cadet in training.
Before the ceremony ended, His Majesty once again received the Royal Salute, accorded in honour and appreciation of His Majesty’s visit.
A troop of the commissioned officer cadets, then marched up into the Old College building in slow motion, marking the end of the passing out parade. They took with them the memories and success after 12 months of training at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
