Ed Van Der Lande

How I Started:

I was raised in an Army family so that gave me the inspiration to join the Services. I passed the Army Scholarship scheme when I was 16 so knew that was where I was going to head after university.

I started at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in September 2013 to begin Officer training. I commissioned into the Household Cavalry in August 2014 as a troop leader.

From there my military career took me to be the Equerry to HRH The Princess Royal followed by 3 years at the Pathfinders (a specialist parachuting unit).

I then did a tour of duty in Somalia for 6 months before being a Squadron Leader at the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. During this time, I was the Escort Commander for the Coronation of King Charles and did a number of other ceremonial tasks before leaving the Army in August 2024 to pursue other ambitions.

My Greatest Achievement:

Passing the arduous Pathfinder Selection Course was the biggest achievement during my time in the Army. It took significant amount of physical and mental resolve to meet the necessary standards to serve in an elite part of the Army.

My Greatest Challenge:

Getting ready for the Coronation in 2023 as I came back from Somalia and immediately did the Household Cavalry Riding Course to learn how to ride. Once I finished the course I only had 2 months to get ready for the Coronation. Fortunately, I was part of a great team who helped me and the wider Squadron get ready for such a big event.

My Hobbies:

I enjoy keeping fit through rugby, running, cycling and general gym work when time allows amongst family commitments (I have 2 young boys who keep me and my wife busy!)

My Future Aspirations:

To meet as many school kids as possible to hear their dreams and ideas for the future. I am also an aspiring entrepreneur so am working hard to get my business (More Toddler Meals – healthy and convenient meals for young kids) off the ground!