New students at The Duke of York’s Royal Military School proudly wore their ceremonial berets for the first time during the school’s annual Beret Parade; a time-honoured event marking one of the most significant moments in the school calendar.
This year’s ceremony was made especially memorable by the presence of HRH The Duke of Kent, who attended as Guest of Honour. His Royal Highness presented ceremonial berets to Year 7 students, marking the beginning of their journey as Dukies. He was also reunited with Year 13 students to whom he had presented berets back in 2019, when they first joined the school as Year 7s.
The parade was inspected by Principal Alex Foreman and His Majesty’s Deputy Lieutenant of Kent, Mr Nick Marden LVO D. The Year 7 students, having completed their parade training under the guidance of Sixth Form mentors, proudly marched before staff and family members who applauded their accomplishment, reflecting the strong sense of camaraderie and teamwork which unites the Dukie community.
Senior students also undertook their new leadership responsibilities during the ceremony, including Senior Under Officer Iliesa Nalewabau, Deputy Senior Under Officer Ambika Gurung, Student Regimental Sergeant Major George Overy, Drum Major Omodele Adepoju, Bugle Major Harriet Higgs, and Stick Orderlies Izzy Gurung, Nobira Pun, Mabel Modzaka and Jesika Gurung.
While students wear their regular school uniform day-to-day, the beret forms a key part of their ceremonial No.1 Dress (Blues), worn for parades and formal occasions, upholding the proud military heritage as a school for children of the Armed Forces. Many students also wear a ‘heart badge’, the cap badge of a family member who has served, as a personal tribute to their own military heritage.
Principal Alex Foreman remarked: “Our military ceremonies honour our heritage and ethos, instilling pride, discipline, and character in every student. Having His Royal Highness, The Duke of Kent, in attendance made this year’s Beret Parade especially meaningful, and we are immensely proud of all our new Dukies as they begin their journey.”
At the school, which offers full, weekly, and flexi boarding to students aged 11 to 18, receiving the beret marks the official start of each student’s journey as a ‘Dukie’, an enduring identity which lasts a lifetime, as reflected by the school’s thriving alumni community and events.