Charles champions the Commonwealth! King is made Commissioner-in-Chief of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police – hours after attending Australian Legacy Torch Relay at Buckingham Palace

• King presented with a sword as he accepted the role of Commissioner-in-Chief 
• READ MORE: I’ve been a Charles impersonator for three decades 

Ahead of his Coronation next Saturday, the King has carried out a series of engagements with a focus on ties with the Commonwealth. 

Today, the royal, 74, accepted the role of Commissioner-in-Chief of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) at Windsor Castle today, and was presented with a ceremonial sword to mark the occasion.  

The King took on the role of Honorary Commissioner of the RCMP in 2012 during a visit to Depot Division in Regina, Saskatchewan. 

He followed in the footsteps of his later mother, who was appointed the first ever RCMP Commissioner-in-Chief in 2012.

King Charles, 74, was presented with a sword as he accepted the role of Commissioner-in-Chief of the RCMP

Charles was welcomed with a Royal Salute from four mounted members of the RCMP who have travelled to the UK to take part in the Coronation Procession.

Those were are due to be participating were all on horses from four mounted members of the RCMP who have travelled to the UK to take part in the Coronation Procession.

Those participating were on horses from the Royal Mews who were previously gifted by the RCMP to Queen Elizabeth II.

The mark the memorable occasion, the royal was presented with a special commemorative RCMP Officer’s sword by the Commissioner of the RCMP, Mike Duheme.

The mark the memorable occasion, the royal was presented with a special commemorative RCMP Officer’s sword by the Commissioner of the RCMP, Mike Duheme

King Charles strokes one of the horses who was previously gifted by the RCMP to Queen Elizabeth II

The royal took on the role of Honorary Commissioner of the RCMP in 2012 during a visit to Depot Division in Regina, Saskatchewan

Charles was welcomed with a Royal Salute from four mounted members of the RCMP who have travelled to the UK to take part in the Coronation Procession

Those participating were on horses from the Royal Mews who were previously gifted by the RCMP to Queen Elizabeth II

Earlier today, Charles watched an Australian charity kick off the London leg of a torch relay in celebration of its centenary.

Charles chatted with torchbearers, participants and families at the event to mark 100 years of Legacy in the quadrangle at Buckingham Palace on Friday.

Founded in 1923 by a small group of First World War veterans, Legacy supports thousands of veterans, spouses and children of Australian Defence Force (ADF) members who have been affected by the death or serious injury of a loved one.

Charles received a torch as a gift and watched as torchbearers passed on the flame at Buckingham Palace on Friday.

Torchbearer and mother-of-four Angela Brient, 40, met the King, and on finding out how many children she had, he replied: ‘My goodness. How do you manage?’

Widow Ms Brient said Legacy has supported her and her children since her husband died six years ago.

‘He went to the Middle East where he suffered a severe injury to his neck. He came home, and even though he had some surgery his mental health declined from his injuries, and he ended up taking his own life,’ she said.

Ms Brient, who is from Perth in Australia but lives in Glasgow, said it was ‘an honour’ to be asked to represent Legacy and said she could not believe she was invited to the Palace.

‘It was such a surprise to us all. And we’re so excited,’ she said.

Speaking about the prospect of meeting the King, Ms Brient said: ‘It’s an honour I was never expecting to be given in my life, so I’m excited.’

Eric Easterbrook, chairman of Legacy Australia, said it was ‘exceptionally exciting and wonderful’ to be at the Palace, and ‘incredible’ to be there so close to the date of the coronation.

There are 44 Legacy clubs across Australia and one club in London.

The Legacy Centenary Torch Relay is a six-month satellite relay event commemorating the charity’s 100 years of service and acknowledging veterans’ families.

The torch will travel over 50,000 kilometres through 100 locations, carried by approximately 1,500 torchbearers who have a connection to Legacy or the defence community.

The relay began at a ceremony at Pozieres France on April 23.

Whilst in France, the torch featured at Anzac Day events before heading to Ypres, Belgium for the daily Menin Gate Last Post Ceremony.

A relay will take place through the streets of London before the torch will arrive in Albany, Western Australia, and stop at all 44 Legacy clubs across the country, concluding in Melbourne in October.

King Charles, 74, greeted volunteers and families of those who have been killed at war outside the Palace. He beamed as he held the torch

Pictures show the guests lighting up two torches – a silver and gold one that the King held and also a white patterned one. Corporal Daniel Keighran VC presented Charles with a replica relay torch

The relay began in Pozieres, France on 23 April and the Torch will travel to all 44 Legacy Clubs in Australia

The royal stood with his hands in his pockets as he watched them being set alight, with a grin on his face

The King also sent the charity a letter, congratulating them their anniversary. 

The letter said: ‘I am delighted to be able to congratulate Legacy Australia on its centenary anniversary this year. 

‘I would also like to take this opportunity to thank and pay tribute to, the staff, partners, supporters and particularly the ‘Legatees’ who work so hard to support Australian veterans and their families.

‘I know that many Legatees are veterans themselves, but are all committed to upholding Legacy’s proud traditions and Spirit of Service and Care for future generations.

He greeted the torch bearers, who were dressed in their white uniform. He shook their hands while chatting to them

The support for the charity also runs in the royal family, as The Queen and Prince Philip continued to provide their support for the organisation and also visited Sydney Legacy on their tour of Australia in 1954

Many looked very pleased to meet the King, smiling and laughing during their conversations

‘I would also like to pay tribute to Legacy’s beneficiaries. Their sacrifice, whether through personal service or the loss of life or health of a loved one, will never be forgotten.

‘My wife joins me in sending you our warmest good wishes for a memorable and enjoyable programme of commemorative events and every possible success to those participating in the Centenary Torch Relay to mark this most special anniversary.’

The support for the charity also runs in the royal family, as The Queen and Prince Philip continued to provide their support for the organisation and also visited Sydney Legacy on their tour of Australia in 1954. 

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