Wednesday, 05 June 2019
The Colonel Commandant – Brigadier-General Kevin O’Keefe, OMM, CD, Late RCCS and the Branch Adjutant – Major Blair Christie, MMM, CD, RCCS attended a private audience with our Colonel-in-Chief at St. James Palace in London, England. The palace – the oldest in London, dates back over 600 years and neighbors Buckingham Palace where it serves as the private residence for The Princess Royal amongst other members of the Windsor family.
The convivial exchange covered the state of the RCCS and C&E Branch writ large. The Colonel Commandant spoke of historical milestones such as the anniversary of the D-Day, the role of signals throughout the global conflicts of the 20th century, and discussed contemporary operations in Iraq, Latvia, and Ukraine. Her Royal Highness was a gracious host; warm, approachable, witty, and well-read on the many challenges facing military communications and emerging technologies threatening global security.
Concluding talks discussed opportunities for The Princess Royal to visit Canada in the coming years to partake in C&E Branch anniversaries and celebrations. She was very receptive, and future liaison with her staff will confirm details in due time.