The Queen becomes the first Patron of The Rifleman's Association

Published

The Queen has become patron of The Rifleman's Association

The Queen, Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles, has become the first Patron of The Rifleman's Association. 

The organisation offers a forum for serving and veteran Riflemen of all ranks, along with their families, to stay connected with the regiment, providing friendship, support, and assistance. 

The then Duchess of Cornwall attends a medals parade
In 2019, The then Duchess of Cornwall attends the medals parade of the 4th Battalion The Rifles at the New Normandy Barracks in Aldershot. 

 

The Rifleman's Association oversees the Always a Rifleman Programme, a suicide prevention and mental wellness initiative, and Care for Casualties, which supports families and Riflemen affected by the Iraq and Afghanistan campaigns. 

The then Duchess of Cornwall speaks to Riflemen during her first visit to the 1st Battalion
The then Duchess of Cornwall speaks to Riflemen during her first visit to the 1st Battalion, The Rifles, after becoming their Colonel-in-Chief in July 2020. 

 

The Rifles, the British Army's largest infantry regiment, encompasses 5 pillars: 4 Regular Battalions, 3 Reserve Battalions, RIFLES Affiliated Cadets, Veterans and their families of The Rifles and its Antecedent and Forming Regiments, and the communities across the UK with which the regiment has long and cherished historical links. 

The then Duchess of Cornwall attends a ceremony at Highgrove House for the transfer of the Colonel-in-Chief of the Rifles
In 2020, The then Duchess of Cornwall attended a ceremony at Highgrove House for the transfer of the Colonel-in-Chief of the Rifles to the Duchess from The late Duke of Edinburgh. 

 

The Queen became Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles in 2020, taking over from The late Duke of Edinburgh. 

The late Duke of Edinburgh during a ceremony for the transfer of Colonel-in-Chief of the Rifles
In 2020, The late Duke of Edinburgh attended a ceremony at Windsor Castle for the transfer of the Colonel-in-Chief of the Rifles to The then Duchess of Cornwall. 

Related content

Remarks by The King at 'A King's Trust Celebration' at the Royal Albert Hall

You'll all make a huge difference to this country and many others.

18 May 2026
News

The King visits Bermuda

01 May 2026
The King in Bermuda

A speech by His Majesty The King at the White House State Dinner, Washington

Tonight, we are here to renew an indispensable alliance which has long been a cornerstone of prosperity and security for both British and American citizens. Our people have...

29 April 2026

The King’s Address to the Joint Meeting of Congress in Washington

The Alliance that our two Nations have built over the centuries – and for which we are profoundly grateful to the American people – is truly unique.

28 April 2026

The King’s message to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Queen Elizabeth II

Queen Elizabeth’s ‘promise with destiny kept’ shaped the world around her and touched the lives of countless people across our nation, the Commonwealth and beyond.

20 April 2026

The King's letter to Colonel Jeremy Hansen ahead of the launch of the Artemis II mission

It is with immense pride and a profound sense of shared purpose that I write to you as you prepare to embark upon the Artemis II mission.

31 March 2026

A Speech by The Queen at a Literary Reception to mark the fifth anniversary of Her Majesty's Reading Room

I find it hard to believe that it is five years since I founded it, at the height of lockdown, with the simple aim of sharing my lifelong conviction that books make life...

25 March 2026
News

Royal Maundy 2026

02 April 2026
Royal Maundy 2026

The King's speech at the Nigeria State Banquet

We in the United Kingdom are blessed that so many people of Nigerian heritage, having chosen Britain as their home, are now at the heart of British life through excelling at...

18 March 2026

The Queen's speech at a WOW reception to mark International Women's Day

Every woman has a story. And these stories must be told. Because when we live in a culture of silence, we empower violence against women and girls.

10 March 2026
News

Commonwealth Day 2026

12 March 2026
Members of The Royal Family attend The Queen Elizabeth Prizes for Education

The King's Commonwealth Day Message 2026

Working together, we can ensure that the Commonwealth continues to stand as a force for good – grounded in community, committed to the kind of restorative sustainability that...

08 March 2026
Page

Royal Household Gift Policy 2026

This Gift Policy seeks to provide a framework for the management of gifts by The Royal Household, on behalf of The Sovereign and other Members of The Royal Family.

Press release 03 March 2026

The King's Medal for Music 2024 & 2025

Read more

A message from His Majesty The King congratulating Team GB and teams across the Commonwealth on their successes at the Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina.

As the Winter Games come to a close, my wife and I send our most heartfelt congratulations to all the Olympic medal winners from Team GB, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, on...

22 February 2026
Press release 19 February 2026

A Statement from His Majesty The King

Read more
Press release 14 February 2026

The King’s Gold Medal for Poetry 2025

Read more

A message from The King on the death of Reverend Jesse Jackson

My wife and I were deeply saddened to hear of the death of the Reverend Jesse Jackson. We send our deepest sympathy to his family. I remember with great fondness meeting him...

18 February 2026

A message from The King ahead of a reception at Windsor Castle to celebrate carers

So to those who provide care - whether you wear a uniform or simply the clothes you felt able to pull on in the morning - please know that the great love you show in small...

12 February 2026