King Charles appoints Bear Grylls to new Army role and makes TV adventurer a figurehead for young recruits
King Charles has appointed Bear Grylls to a new Army role while making the TV adventurer a figurehead for new young recruits.
The survival expert has been given the title of Honorary Colonel of the Army Foundation College (AFC) in Harrogate and his new role will see him lead as a key figure of inspiration for incoming members.
On July 11, Grylls took to social media to share the news of his latest role within the college that prepares young Brits to serve in the Armed Forces, alongside a photo of himself donning his new camouflage uniform.
He wrote: 'So proud to have been appointed Honorary Colonel of the Army Foundation College by His Majesty The King.
'An Army Basic Training organization, the AFC builds the character, competence, and resilience of young people to help them succeed in life and within the military.
Bear Grylls has been made a figurehead for the country’s young military recruits after the King appointed him Honorary Colonel of the Army Foundation College in Harrogate
Grylls shared an image on Instagram of him in his new uniform, while stating he was 'so proud' to have been appointed the role
'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,' he added.
'Watch this space for many adventures ahead'.
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.
The TV presenter's first official duty within his new role will be as senior inspecting officer at the college's August graduation, which is set to oversee 600 junior soldiers marching before starting the next phase of their training.
AFC(H)'s Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Mike Butler said that everyone at the unit was 'thrilled' by the appointment of Colonel Bear, as he will be known informally.
'An inspirational character for Junior Soldiers, Colonel Bear shares our passion for helping young people grow and develop, especially in confidence and resilience,' Butler said.
'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.
'We can't wait to work with Colonel Bear as he shares in the exciting and rewarding journey of the Army's youngest recruits.'
AFV Harrogate is the only Junior Entry Basic Training establishment in the British Army.
Its programme offers a mix of military training, personal development activities, and education, while providing young people with the skills to succeed as soldiers, and in their lives beyond the military.
Gryll's new role comes after he broke his silence on why he's supporting a scandal-hit Russel Brand amid the comic's sexual assault allegations.
Russell, 49, faced serious accusations including rape and sexual assault when four women made allegations - he later announced that he had been baptised, with his friend Bear present
The adventurer, who has long been a devout Christian, was pictured embracing the comedian in the River Thames after his baptism in April
The adventurer had been present at Brand's baptism in April and was pictured embracing the comedian in the River Thames.
Speaking to Confidential Bear explained: 'Russell, you know, it was a privilege to stand beside him as he was getting baptised, that is a life journey for him.
'I really wish him well and his lovely family. Let’s hope all of that stuff works itself out in a good way.
'And let’s hope those accusations aren’t true, for everybody’s sake, but I always try and live without judging anyone. I stand beside many people … that’s a privilege, trying never to judge, always to love, always be kind, support people wherever they are.'
