The Regiment is an Armoured Cavalry Regiment stationed in Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire.
Established in 1937, The Queen’s father, the late Major Bruce Shand, served with the 12th Lancers during World War II.
He was awarded a Military Cross for his bravery during the retreat to Dunkirk in 1940 and again in 1942 during the Second Battle of El Alamein in North Africa.
Major Shand was taken as a prisoner of war on November 6, 1942, after a battle in which the crew of his armoured car was killed and he himself was severely injured.
He was held in Spangenberg Castle until his escape in early 1945.
Major Shand retired from the army after the war.
Upon arrival, The Queen received a Royal Salute and then inspected some of the 152 Lancers on parade.
In her address to the Regiment, Her Majesty remarked:
My father once described the Regiment as a “highly efficient entity, highly skilled, and full of personalities”.
I am confident that your upcoming deployments will be equally successful, contributing further to our Regiment's illustrious history.
Subsequently, the Regiment conducted a march past, featuring various past and present armoured vehicles, including the HUMBER and DINGO from World War II, formerly commanded by The Queen's late father, as well as the modern WARRIOR and BULLDOG vehicles.
Following the parade, The Queen interacted with families and members of the Old Comrades Association (OCA) at a reception.
Her Majesty also awarded five Buchan Medals to serving and retired Lancers.
This distinction is conferred upon any serving or retired member of The Royal Lancers or its predecessors who has notably contributed to the Regiment's efficiency or military honor over an extended period.
The Queen was also presented with a tunic belonging to her late father, Major Bruce Shand MC & Bar, which will be publicly displayed at the Regimental Museum in Derby.
The tunic was acquired by the Regiment at an auction.