First female cadet from Nigeria graduates from Sandhurst as army's 135 newest ... trends now
The first female cadet from Nigeria has graduated from Sandhurst as the army's 135 newest officers were congratulated by a senior French officer.
Officer Cadet Owowoh Princess Oluchukwu, 24, was inspected by the head of the French Army, General d'armee Pierre Schill, at the prestigious Sovereign's Parade.
The Nigerian officer was described as 'very happy, very proud' with a 'beaming smile' throughout the ceremony.
She was one of the international cadets who travel to the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in Camberley, Surrey, to receive leadership training, before they are commissioned into their respective militaries around the world.
Officer Cadet Oluchukwu will now return to serve in the Nigerian military where she is expected to join the intelligence corps.
Officer Cadet Owowoh Princess Oluchukwu, 24, became the first female cadet from Nigeria to graduate from Sandhurst
The Nigerian officer was described as 'very happy, very proud' with a 'beaming smile' all the way through the ceremony
Officer Oluchukwu will now return to serve in the Nigerian military where she is expected to join the intelligence core
An army representative said: 'A lot of the hierarchy from her own forces were there to witness the event. By all accounts she is a very popular person judging by all of the people who were hugging her.
'She is very physically powerful and was very intent on wanting to join the Nigerian military. She had a beaming smile all the way through.'
Officer cadets have to pass 44 weeks of intensive training, split into three terms, before they are able to attend the Sovereign's Parade and receive their commission.
The inspecting officer, who is known as the sovereign's representative, was the chief of the French army - representing King Charles III.
General Pierre Schill was at the parade to also celebrate the 120th year of the signing of the Anglo-French Entente Cordiale, which marked the beginning of an alliance between the two nations that would endure two world wars.
This year was the 232nd commissioning course.
The Sovereign's Parade marks the passing out from Sandhurst of Officer Cadets who have completed the Commissioning Course and is the result of many hours of hard work.
Dating back to 1948, it is held three times a year at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst.
The inspecting officer, who is known as the sovereign's representative, was the chief of the French army General Pierre Schill - representing King Charles III
Princess Oluchukwu from Nigeria (2R), poses with members of the Nigerian army and the Nigerian Navy (L), after the Commissioning Course No. 232 Sovereign's Parade
The Sovereign's Parade marks the passing out from Sandhurst of Officer Cadets who have completed the Commissioning Course and is the result of many hours of hard work
The head of the French army General d'armee Pierre Schill inspects the 135 Officer Cadets commissioning as Army Officers
Dating back to 1948, it is held three times a year at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
Officer cadets have to pass 44 weeks of intensive training, split into three terms, before they are able to attend the Sovereign's Parade and receive their commission
It is the grandest day in the Sandhurst calendar as friends, family and VIPs gather before Old College Square to watch the cadets take part in their final parade.
During the ceremony, the Sword of Honour, the Overseas Sword and the Queen's Medal are awarded by the Sovereign's Representative to the top Officer Cadets.
This year the Sword of Honour, awarded to the Officer Cadet deemed to be the best of the course, was awarded to Junior Officer H W R Webb of The Parachute Regiment.
The parade traditionally ends with the Adjutant riding his horse up the steps of Old College as he follows the graduating Officer Cadets through the Grand Entrance.
While at Sandhurst, cadets undergo rigorous exercises as well as academic tests.
King Charles attended last year's Sovereign's Parade which was the 200th anniversary of the event.
His Majesty inspected 171 officer cadets, 26 of them international cadets from 15 different countries.
In his speech, he said: 'Speaking as a father of two alumni of this academy who remembers their passing out parades, I know they will be full of immense pride in witnessing you on parade.'
