Princess of Wales visits Robertson Barracks in Norfolk

The Princess went to the home of the 1st The Queen’s Dragoon Guards (QDG) at Swanton Morley, near Dereham, for the first time since being appointed its Colonel-in-Chief by the King in August.

After meeting troops who had set up a camouflaged hide in the grounds of Robertson Barracks, she got behind the wheel of the seven-tonne Jackal vehicle to drive back to the Officer's Mess.

"Thanks, that was amazing," the Royal said as she brought the vehicle to a halt.

READ MORE: Princess of Wales visits Robertson Barracks in Norfolk

Driving instructor Cpl Darreyl Turkana said afterwards: "She was a natural. I said take it slowly, just go back to where you came from. It's just like a normal car."

The Princess also tried her hand at flying a drone and was shown some of the weapons the QDGs use in the field.

She was shown some of the weapons soldiers use on the field (Image: Denise Bradley)

The Princess was shown regimental paintings in the Officers' Mess (Image: Denise Bradley)

After arriving at the base by helicopter, she was welcomed to the base by Brigadier Alan Richmond, Colonel of the regiment and Lt Col Chris Kierstead, its commanding officer.

The Brigadier presented the Princess with a brooch made for the late Queen Mother, when she was Colonel-in-Chief.

"We're hoping you'll wear it as often as you like, to show you're part of our regimental family," he said.

She heard about army life from personnel and their families (Image: Denise Bradley)

Families said the Princess was down to earth (Image: Denise Bradley)

The Princess met personnel from the QDGs, along with their partners and children, hearing about army life from the point of view of both soldiers and their families.

Army wife Kate Ormston, 31, who met the Princess with her children Joey, 10 and six-year-old Jackson, said: "She was really down to earth and friendly."

The Princess had an important task to perform as troops paraded outside.

The Princess promoted regimental mascot, a Welsh mountain pony called Trooper 'Longface' Emrys Jones (Image: Denise Bradley)

The Royal really enjoyed herself (Image: Denise Bradley)

She promoted regimental mascot, a Welsh mountain pony called Trooper 'Longface' Emrys Jones from Lance Corporal to Corporal.

After three cheers from the ranks, she boarded her helicopter to depart.

Lieut Col Kierstead said: "I think it's gone really well. She's really enjoyed herself and all the soldiers and officers have enjoyed having her here. "