THE Sovereign's Parade dates back to 1948.
It marks the passing out of cadets at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
What is the Sovereign's Parade?
Sovereign's Parade is held three times a year at Sandhurst - in April, August and December.
It marks the end of a 44-week training period for Officer Cadets in the Senior Divisions.
After they have completed the Commissioning Course they earn the title of a British Army Officer.
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The passing out parade consists of a range of events.
Outstanding Officer Cadets are singled out to win awards, including the Overseas Sword, the International Award and the Queen's Medal.
The Sword of Honour is chosen by the Commandant, and is presented to the Officer Cadet considered to be the best of the intake.
the Cadets participate in whilst being inspected by the Sovereign.
In 2020, among the 213 Officer Cadets, 37 were international from 24 countries including Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan.
In 2021, 35 international Cadets were commissioned, including those from Morocco, Ethiopia, Armenia, and Iraq.
Who attends the Sovereign's Parade?
The sovereign or their representative attends the parade and inspects the cadets.
Prince William attended in 2018 - making the Officer Cadets laugh - and Sophie, the Countess of Wessex was the Queen's representative the following year.
Princess Anne was the Queen's Reviewing Officer in 2021, as was former PM Boris Johnson, and in August 2022, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, Pakistan Chief of Army Staff, represented Her Majesty.
The Duke of Gloucester was King Charles III's first representative in December 2022.
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The new Officers were the first in over 70 years to receive the King's Commission after the death of the Queen in September 2022.
Families and friends of those who are graduating, as well as guests of higher status known as dignitaries, also attend the parade.
After the parade, a formal lunch is held with family, friends, and officers.
An exclusive Commissioning Ball is held until midnight when the newly commissioned officers can finally use and display their new title.
Where is the parade held?
The parade is held at The Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
The Academy straddles two counties, Berkshire and Surrey.
The ceremonial entrance to the academy is in Camberley, Surrey, while the location of the training centre is in Sandhurst, Berkshire.
Sandhurst is a town in the Bracknell Forest borough, while Camberley is situated in the borough of Surrey Heath.
