Officer Cadets brave the cold for their commissions in first Sovereign's Parade under reign of King Charles

The Duke of Gloucester presided as 220 Officer Cadets were commissioned as Army Officers in the first Sovereign's Parade under the reign of King Charles III at Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.

The Duke, Prince Richard, represented the King as he inspected the senior intake of the parade in cold, wintry conditions, as the cadets brought to an end 44 weeks of intensive training to start their careers as Army Officers.

All of those passing out officially hold the King's Commission as of the stroke of midnight on the day of the parade – a ceremony that marks the passing out of the Senior Divisions and their final parade.

• What is the Sovereign's Parade?
• Why is a horse ridden up the steps at end of Sovereign's Parade?
• British Army experience for Tottenham Hotspur at Sandhurst and Aldershot training day

Another 45 international cadets from 28 countries also joined the parade as they completed their training.

The Duke gave an address before presenting prize-winners' awards including the coveted Sword of Honour to Senior Under Officer Bignell who is commissioning into the Royal Engineers.

Keeping with tradition, the Academy Adjutant rode a horse up the steps of Old College to accompany the graduating Officer Cadets through the Grand Entrance.