Bear Grylls with King Charles, who was the Prince of Wales at the time, at a scout event at Windsor Castle in 2010. Photo / Katie Collins / PA
Bear Grylls with King Charles, who was the Prince of Wales at the time, at a scout event at Windsor Castle in 2010. Photo / Katie Collins / PA
The King’s latest move as Commander-in-Chief forms part of his plan to make joining the British Army more attractive to young people.
Bear Grylls has been made a figurehead for the United Kingdom’s young military recruits after the King appointed him Honorary Colonel of the Army Foundation College (AFC) in Harrogate.
The former SAS trooper and popular television adventurer’s new role will see him champion the spirit and camaraderie of the key military training base.
Grylls said he was “so proud” to have been appointed to the role.
He said the college played a vital role in building “the character, competence, and resilience of young people to help them succeed in life and within the military”.
Grylls added: “No matter where you come from, if you’re willing to do your best and live by the Army’s values and standards then the college offers adventure, challenge, qualifications, friends for life, and confidence that will last a lifetime.
“Watch this space for many adventures ahead and respect to all of you.”
Grylls, a former Territorial Army SAS soldier and the current Chief Scout, is also an Honorary Colonel of the Royal Marines Reserve, a post he has held since June 2021.
His first official duty will be as senior inspecting officer at the college’s August graduation, overseeing around 600 junior soldiers as they march off to start the next phase of their training.
AFC Harrogate, the only such establishment in the Army, offers under-19s the skills needed for a future career in the armed forces.
Its programme includes a mix of military training, personal development activities and education.
As Honorary Colonel, Grylls will support the unit command team but will not be involved in the day-to-day running of the site.
Bear Grylls eating a wētā in New Zealand from the show Man vs Wild.
Lieutenant Colonel Mike Butler, AFC Harrogate’s Commanding Officer, described Grylls as an “inspirational character for junior soldiers” and said everyone at the unit was “thrilled” by his appointment.
He added: “His message of ‘courage, kindness and never give up’ is a perfect match for the British Army values and standards we strive to live by.”
