The Prince of Wales met one of the newest recruits to the Mercian Regiment – a ram called Private Derby XXXII – when he visited Bulford Camp near Salisbury.
Charles was at the military base to mark his 10 years as colonel-in-chief of the fighting force.
The royal was all smiles as he met the regimental mascot (Peter Nicholls/PA)
The 20-month-old Swaledale ram, who has a reputation for being feisty, was happy to be stroked by Charles (Peter Nicholls/PA)
The ram, who only took up its role a few weeks ago, was introduced by Ram Major Corporal Philip Thornton and Ram Orderly Private Lee Bradbury (Peter Nicholls/PA)
The Mercian Regiment has deployed twice to Iraq and seven times to Afghanistan since its foundation in 2007 (Peter Nicholls/PA)
Its capabilities include a light role infantry battalion, an armoured infantry battalion equipped with the Warrior fighting vehicle, and an Army Reserve battalion (Peter Nicholls/PA)
Charles wore combat fatigues, black boots and a beret for the visit (Peter Nicholls/PA)
He spent time chatting to recruits … (Peter Nicholls/PA)
… sharing a laugh or two as well (Peter Nicholls/PA)
Prince Charles also rode in a Warrior Tracked Armoured Vehicle… (Peter Nicholls/PA)
