Argyll’s sailors join Prince Charles at Kuwaiti anniversary events

In the lush grounds of the British Embassy in Kuwait, Prince Charles enjoys a lighter moment with a sailor from HMS Argyll as the frigate helped Kuwaitis celebrate two key anniversaries in the emirate’s recent history.

It is 50 years since the small state celebrated independence from the United Kingdom – and 20 since it was liberated from the short but brutal rule of Saddam Hussein after his 1990 invasion.

Both dates were marked by a Royal visit from the heir to the British throne – a visit which coincided with Argyll taking a break from Gulf patrols.

It was the Devonport-based frigate’s task to provide a Royal Guard for a joint parade with the Amiri National Guard at the Bayan Palace – home of the Emir of Kuwait – drawing personnel from all departments: engineers, chefs, writers and seamen specialists.

Having been at sea for the preceding three weeks, they needed a few days of intensive practice once alongside in Kuwait, but on the day, operations officer Lt Cdr James Blythe was delighted by the turnout from his men and women.

“To attend a parade alongside our Coalition partners with His Royal Highness The Prince Of Wales here to inspect the Guard is a tremendous honour – a truly proud moment for the ship,"  he said.

“Indeed, it’s a fitting occasion for such an important year in Kuwait’s history and it’s a real privilege to be the Guard Commander on such wonderful day.”

Following the parade, Argyll’s Commanding Officer Cdr Paul Stroude attended a state lunch at the Bayan Palace after which he joined 30 of his sailors at a Royal Garden Party in the grounds of the British Embassy, hosted by Her Majesty’s Ambassador to Kuwait, Frank Baker.

On arrival, the Royal Sovereign was raised to signify the presence of the Prince, and the assembled members of the ship’s company, who lined the path through the Embassy garden, had the opportunity to chat with Prince Charles.

The Royal Garden Party was a busy affair with local school children and scout groups lined up alongside leading figures from both the Kuwaiti and British communities.

“The Prince seemed delighted to be in Kuwait for such an important occasion and as an ex-officer in the Royal Navy, seemed quite at home talking to the other sailors and me,”

said POET(ME) Stephen Rudd.

Cdr Stroude added:

“It’s been a huge privilege for HMS Argyll to be invited to Kuwait to help celebrate such historic anniversaries that have a very deep and emotional significance for the people of Kuwait.

“The fact that Royal Navy warships routinely operate under the authority of, and in close co-operation with, Kuwaiti Naval and Coastguard forces is a further tangible sign of the enduring close alliance and mutual trust between our two nations.

"Since arriving we have been overwhelmed by the warmth of our welcome.”

His ship is in the middle of a six-month deployment to the Middle East where she is currently operating as part of the international maritime Coalition Task Force 152 – which, fittingly, is currently led by the Kuwaitis.

It’s the task force’s mission to provide maritime security, counter terrorism and improve regional co-operation and stability throughout the Gulf.