RHRDF
Royal Hutt River
Defence Forces

Office of the Commander in Chief
HRH Prince Leonard
 

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The Royal Hutt River Defence Force

Introduction:

The Royal Hutt River Defence Force (RHRDF) was founded by virtue of the Royal Hutt River Defence Force Act of 1988.

The RHRDF comprises: 

• The Royal Hutt River Army
• The Royal Hutt River Navy

The RHRDF mission is to ‘Symbolise and uphold the sovereignty of the Principality of Hutt River.’
 

Activities:

While we are a non-combative service, we are charged with ensuring the security of the Principality, and performing the usual logistical functions associated with the armed forces when required.
The RHRDF has a ceremonial role both in providing a Guard of Honour for the Sovereign, and participating in celebrations for Independence Day and other important occasions.

In addition, both branches of the RHRDF liase actively with the Principality’s diplomatic community in charitable and security work.
 

Structure:

The structure of each branch reflects the rank organisation of the respective British forces. While each branch has its own uniform code, they are also based upon standards set by various International armed forces, with regional variations, and the Principality’s unique badges. 

The Commander-in-Chief of the RHRDF is HRH Prince Leonard, and he is assisted by the Council of Commanding Officers, staffed by the Commanding Officers and Deputy Commanding Officers of each branch.

Entry to either service is voluntary. The rank of a newly commissioned officer is dependent upon age and experience. Thereafter, promotion is only achieved in recognition of effort in supporting and furthering the respective branch of the service and the Principality.
 

Future developments:

The seeds of the future direction of the RHRDF have germinated within the last two years.  

The Navy has sought and achieved alliances with veteran organisations in the United States, as well as establishing firm relations with a number of historical naval organisations. Officers have been active in leading naval associations, including the US Navy league, the US Naval Institute, the Naval Order of the United States, and the (British) Marine Society and Sea Cadets. It is a future strategy of the Navy to recruit a fleet of training vessels owned and commanded by officers who share the vision of HRH Prince Leonard.

The foundation of the Hutt Royal School of Artillery, as part of the Royal Hutt River Army, and the production of several excellent artillery manuals, has led to the adoption of these manuals by the artillery school of the United States Field Artillery Association (USFAA) of the United States Army. The USFAA artillery school is based at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma, the home station of the US Field Artillery, and operates artillery schools around the country.

Both arms of the RHRDF are active in humanitarian work, such as, the work of the Royal Hutt River Artillery in aiding the victims of Hurricane Katrina.

The RHRDF is particularly proud of its association with the Legion of Independent Frontiersmen, Independent Command, Canada  where HRH Prince Leonard is Hon. Commissioner in Chief.

From ceremonial duties to the active involvement in local communities, the RHRDF continues to develop and perform valuable work. The future holds many challenges to further the vision and ideals of our Commander-in-Chief, HRH Prince Leonard. The benefits of achieving these will be both to the reputation of Principality, and to the good of the communities where officers of the RHRDF serve.

Vice-Admiral Sir Robert Hartnett Bt. KCRO KCG MRIN RHRN
Commanding Officer – The Royal Hutt River Navy

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1st Nth American Royal Guards. of the Royal Hutt River Army
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