Coburg, 1965: Wreath-laying ceremony for 250th Anniversary of raising of 11th Light Dragoons

Photograph by
Julian Calder

Prince Michael entered the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst in January 1961 and was commissioned into the 11th Hussars (Prince Albert’s Own) in 1963.

He saw service in Germany, Hong Kong and Cyprus where his squadron formed part of the UN peacekeeping force in 1971.

Subsequent tours of duty, during a military career that spanned twenty years, included a number of appointments on the Defence Intelligence Staff.

In 1994, Prince Michael was made Honorary Commodore of the re- structured Royal Naval Reserve. In June 2004, he was promoted to Honorary Rear Admiral of the Royal Naval Reserve and in 2006 was made  Commodore-in-Chief of the combined Maritime Reserves.

In 2002 he was made Honorary Air Commodore of Royal Air Force Benson and in 2012 was promoted to Honorary Air Marshall of the Royal Air Force.

In 2009, Prince Michael was made Regimental Colonel of the Honourable Artillery Company and their Royal Honorary Colonel in 2012. 

His Royal Highness is Senior Colonel of the King's Royal Hussars.  Prince Michael was also appointed Honorary Colonel in the Army with effect from 10th November 2010.  

Prince Michael is Colonel-in-Chief of the Essex and Kent Scottish, Ontario, Canada.

Left: RAF Benson’s Family Station Day 2005

Middle: Unveiling of the Battle of Britain Memorial © Vic Seymour Photographic Service.

Right: SSAFA Forces Help Young Achiever Award in Germany, Jan 2003

Prince Michael is President of the Council of SSAFA (Soldiers’, Sailors’ & Airmen’s Families’ Association) Forces Help.

Left: Prince Michael visits the Defence Diving School at Horsea Island in May 2001

Right: Prince Michael at his inaugural visit to RAF Benson, Sept 2002