As the holiday season approaches, Defence News is sharing stories of ADF members spreading goodwill on exercises, operations and deployments throughout the year.
It's not every day a member of British royalty is asked if they remembered to bring along their rugby boots, but that's what happened when Her Royal Highness Princess Anne met soldiers from 8th Signal Regiment on Remembrance Day.
Soldiers from across the nation descended on Brisbane's Gallipoli Barracks to celebrate the Royal Australia Corps of Signals 100th birthday, including Corporal Faalalotonga Samaila - known to her friends as Smiley - of 8th Signal Regiment's 141 Squadron.
Invited to attend lunch with Princess Anne, it's a day the battlespace communication specialist won't forget.
"That was pretty surreal and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity," Corporal Samaila said.
"I did the whole curtsy, shook her hand and greeted her. She was very, very lovely."
Corporal Samaila also met Princess Anne's husband, Vice-Admiral Sir Timothy Laurence.
Not one to miss an opportunity, she offered Princess Anne a spontaneous invitation.
"I know that she's a big rugby fan so I kind of joked around and said, 'did you bring your mouth guard and boots to come for a run with us'," Corporal Samaila said.
"She took it well and said that she prefers polocrosse."
After lunch, Corporal Samaila raced back down to Duncan Oval to prepare for a tug-of-war grand final under the watchful eye of Princess Anne.
Part of the Royal Australia Corps of Signals week celebrations, 8 Signal Regiment was pitted against 7th Combat Signal Regiment (7CSR), with 7CSR claiming victory.
