Stories

KBR is proud to support the UK military and was delighted to further that commitment by playing a part in the recent coronation of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. 

The coronation was the UK’s largest military ceremonial operation for 70 years, involving around 7,000 personnel in processions, a fly past, and gun salutes. This was an enormous logistical undertaking, and KBR Aspire Defence Services Ltd (ADSL) had the honour of supporting the historical event. 

Its team based at Aldershot Garrison in Hampshire was at the heart of preparations for the coronation, housing and feeding an additional 600 troops in the week leading up to the event. As well as providing overflow accommodation and shower units to laundry services and uniform alterations, our team organised road closures for parade practices and provided transport for soldiers and dignitaries. Our drone specialists even helped to shape troop formations, providing drill staff with overhead footage so they could assess the precision of ceremonial marching lines! 

Keen to honour the historic event, ADSL has created a commemorative King Charles III Garden within grounds and woodland it maintains across the Aldershot and Salisbury Plain Garrisons. As a tribute to the King’s lifelong commitment to environmental sustainability, the garden supports wildlife and enhances biodiversity with pollinator-friendly plants, bulbs, wildflowers and trees. Designed in the shape of the letter C, plans are in place to ensure the garden flourishes as an environmental legacy for His Majesty. 

At an individual level, Ruth Vaughan of VIMA Group, a KBR company, had the honour of marching in the coronation procession on the big day. Ruth is an Army reservist and was chosen to be part of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineer (REME) marching contingent.  

“It has been such a privilege and honour to be part of this historic moment,” said Vaughan. “I was incredibly lucky to have been selected as one of six Army reservists as part of the REME marching contingent, representing the few reservists across the whole parade. I am incredibly grateful that VIMA is so supportive of reservists – this wouldn’t have been possible without the team’s support. The build-up training, night rehearsals and inspections were all worth it to be one of the 4,000 voices resounding ‘three cheers for his Majesty the King’ in Buckingham Palace Gardens. It was a spine-tingling moment.” 

With the coronation celebration a royal success, all of us at KBR look forward to continuing to support the work of His Majesty’s Armed Forces in the years to come. 

Aspire Defence is making soldiers’ lives better through the delivery of construction and facilities management for new and improved living, working and technical accommodation at Army garrisons across Salisbury Plain and Aldershot. Ensuring soldiers live, work and train in the best possible environment.