The cadets of Okehampton Detachment Army Cadets, are preparing for what may well be their most unusual parade yet – a trip to Buckingham Palace following an invitation from Her Majesty Queen Camilla.

Under the title Operation Royal Oke, around 40 cadets from the detachment will travel to London in October 2026 for a day at the Palace as Her Majesty’s guest, before heading on to Horse Guards where they will be hosted by Lt Col Foinette, Brigade Major for the household divisions.

The invitation is as a result of correspondence sent to the palace by the cadets, resulting in them inviting her majesty for a carvery. She politely declined but in turn invited the cadets up to London to be her guests. Initially there was some secrecy around the trip but the cadets are now allowed to celebrate publicly.

Second Lieutenant, Detachment Commander Sam Caunter said: “When I first heard that we had been invited to Buckingham Palace, my first reaction was probably a mixture of excitement, disbelief and wondering how on earth I was going to explain it to 40 cadets without them immediately telling everyone they knew.

“It represents a remarkable opportunity for the cadets of Okehampton Detachment and comes as recognition of the enthusiasm, commitment and community involvement demonstrated by the cadets throughout the year.

“The Army Cadet Force is about far more than military skills. It is about giving young people experiences, confidence, responsibility and memories that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives and this opportunity certainly does that. Although I suspect that, on this particular occasion, the biggest challenge may be keeping 40 cadets looking suitably respectable in front of the King’s Guards.”

Okehampton Freemasons have made a donation towards the cost of the trip to ensure that the financial side of the adventure does not prevent any cadets from taking part as well enabling them to take more of the detachment.