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Nairn woman sheds light on life as a Trooper serving at great royal events


By Donald Wilson

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Fiona (middle) pulling a cannon in the musical drive.
Fiona (middle) pulling a cannon in the musical drive.

A Nairn woman who was on duty at the funeral of the Duke of Edinburgh has given the Inverness Courier a unique insight into life as a member of the Kings Troop of the Royal Horse Artillery.

Lance Bombadier Fiona Dunbar (30) whose mum and dad, James and Morven, live in Chattan Drive, has served at many ceremonial occasions, from the Trooping of the Colour to Royal weddings and birthdays as well as funerals.

“My family are proud of what I do and I am proud to be serving the Queen and representing my family, especially in such a prestigious regiment,” she said.

“It’s difficult at times being so far from home, especially during Covid, but I am happy knowing my family are all safe and well. The love I have for the job keeps me occupied and very busy.”

She said it always lovely to hear from her siblings about her nieces and nephews who regularly scan news coverage of Royal occasions to see if they can spot their Aunty Fiona on telly.

Fiona joined the Kings Troop 10 years ago but never thought for a moment she would be part of so many historic events.

Although her parents were not in the armed forces Fiona comes from generations of Dunbars who have served their country, including her great-grandfather and grandfather who both served with the Seaforth and Cameron Highlanders.

Fiona (right) meets the Queen
Fiona (right) meets the Queen

“My great-uncle, Hamish Dunbar, was in the Royal Navy and his wife Jean worked at Bletchley Park,” she added. “My uncle William Gibb was in the RAF.

“I’ve had a passion for horses from a young age and when I finished school I wanted to join the mounted police originally. But my dad pointed me in the direction of the army and I watched videos of the Kings Troop RHA on YouTube.

“My mind was made up and I was thrilled when I was accepted.”

She signed up for the army when she was 18 and during her career has been privileged to meet many members of the Royal family and celebrities.

“I first met Princes William and Harry at the Olympics when I was working at Eton and Dorney doing security checks.

“Every year The Troop perform at Royal Windsor Horse Show. We are stabled at the Royal Windsor mews within the grounds of Windsor Castle. I met Her Majesty The Queen, HRH Prince Phillip and Lady Louise of Windsor at Windsor Castle. I have also had the privilege of riding at the Royal Windsor Horse Show and on Trooping the Colour.”

In 2017 the Kings Troop celebrated its 70th birthday, entailing a trot and gallop past the Queen.

Fiona Dunbar on duty at the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral.
Fiona Dunbar on duty at the Duke of Edinburgh's funeral.

“After the review and inspections I was selected along with other colleagues to be personally introduced to Her Majesty,” Fiona said.

Another highlight of her career was meeting Princess Anne, herself an Olympic equestrian, in 2019 at the Queen’s birthday celebrations in Hyde Park.

Among the celebrities she has met during her career are Alan Titchmarsh, Hugh Grant, Ant and Dec and Martin Clunes.

But one of her most rewarding experiences with the regiment was rehoming one of the Kings Troop horses after she retired.

“She was a rescue horse and found at the age of four. Once rehabilitated and brought back to health and fitness they could see she would make an excellent horse for The Kings Troop. After 12 years of service she was retired and I was asked if I was interested in rehoming her. I didn’t need to be asked twice.

At work in the stables
At work in the stables

“She has sadly passed away but I am glad to have had the opportunity to have given her a happy loving retirement after a bad start to her life and 12 years of hard service to the regiment and the Crown.”

She said she had learned many skills in the regiment and made many friends for life.

Fiona grooming her horse.
Fiona grooming her horse.

“I started off as a novice rider with little to no experience. Now I compete for the troop whenever I can at dressage, show jumping and cross country. I’ve even learned how to play polo. It’s been a fantastic career. I have fantastic friends. We have to work as a team and I hope to continue with the Kings Troop for many more years.”


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