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.

In 2002 he was made Honorary Air Commodore of Royal Air Force Benson.

In 2009, Prince Michael was made Regimental Colonel of the Honourable Artillery Company.

Prince Michael has been appointed Honorary Colonel in the Army with effect from 10th November 2010.

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 SSAFA (Soldiers’, Sailors’ & Airmen’s Families’ Association) Forces Help and President of the Royal Patriotic Fund. His Royal Highness is Colonel-in-Chief of the Essex and Kent Scottish Regiment in Canada.

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