King Charles has appointed former British trooper and survival expert Bear Grylls a brand new military role to help inspire young recruits.
The monarch has appointed the star an Honorary Colonel of the Army Foundation College (AFC) in Harrogate, in the hopes that he becomes a role model for the UK’s young military recruits.
His duties include being the senior inspecting officer at the college’s August graduation, seeing off 600 junior soldiers as they begin the next phase of their training.
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The college offers a mix of military training, personal development activities and education, the only such establishment in the UK army to offer under 19s the skills needed for a future career in the Armed Forces.
In his new role, Grylls will be supporting the unit command team, but will not be overseeing the day-to-day running of the site.
Grylls shared that he was “so proud” to have been appointed in the position, adding that the college was integral in building ”the character, competence, and resilience of young people to help them succeed in life and within the military”.
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“No matter where you come from, if you’re willing to do your best and live by the Army’s values and standards then the college offers adventure, challenge, qualifications, friends for life, and confidence that will last a lifetime,” the 50-year-old said.
“Watch this space for many adventures ahead and respect to all of you.”
Grylls, who was a former Territorial Army SAS soldier and is the current Chief Scout, has also been an Honorary Colonel of the Royal Marines Reserve since June 2021.
Lieutenant Colonel Mike Butler, AFC Harrogate’s Commanding Officer, described Grylls as an “inspirational character for junior soldiers”.
“His message of ‘Courage, kindness and never give up’ is a perfect match for the British Army values and standards we strive to live by.”
Butler added that everyone at the unit was “thrilled” by the TV star’s appointment to the role.
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