Earlier this morning, the Countess visited the Welfare support network as well as the wives and children of 5th Battalion The Rifles in Paderborn, Germany.
Excited children from the camp nursery – Rascals, had the opportunity to meet HRH, some for the second time in the Welfare office on camp.
 Suzanne Way from Basingstoke said: “The children thought she was going to be wearing fairy wings.” The 35-year old deputy manager of Rascals was impressed with HRH ability to interact so easily with the kids and said it was ‘brilliant’ that the children got to see her. She said: “The countess is really nice and friendly.”
Mrs Natasha Davies from Exmouth in Devon managed to share a giggle with HRH about the last visit. “My five year jumped on her back while she was talking to the kids, to try and give her a cuddle.” The 35-year-old is married to a Corporal in 5 RIFLES. She said: “It’s surreal. The Countess is not what you expect of Royalty as she is very approachable and takes the time to talk to everyone and not leave anyone out.”
Welfare Officer, Capt Gary Hann runs the centre for soldiers and their families on camp. The 41-year-old from Silksworth, Sunderland said of the Countess: “She is keen to get stuck in and play with the kids.” He continued: “Whether she is here or in a soldier’s house with the TV on and drinking a cup of tea, she is always very engaging.”
As part of HRH visit to 5th Battalion The Rifles, based in Germany, she also met the Bürgermeister of Paderborn, Herr Heinz Paus after being greeted by German schoolchildren that lined the entrance to the Stadt.
Herr Paus welcomed the Countess and said: “Paderborn was formed during the times of Charlemagne (Charles the Great) and we are proud to host over ten thousand British soldiers and families in our historic city.”
The Countess, who later visited the 12th century Cathedral, said of her first opportunity to visit the centre of Paderborn: “I was delighted to receive an invitation.” She also thanked the Bürgermeister for the support of the German community to the British Forces. She said: “I am extremely honoured to be here.”
John Greaves from St Helens is a committee member of the Anglo German Club. The 61-year-old said: “There is a strong relationship between the people of Paderborn and the soldiers. The children were very excited and pleased to meet someone from the Royal family.” John’s father married a German girl while stationed in the area after the war and is also responsible for maintaining strong links with the twinned town of Bolton. He continued: “This has been a real highlight for us as many German people are interested in the Royal family and monarchy.”
20th Armoured Brigade’s progress can be followed online at: http://www.twitter.com/theironfist.
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