British Army soldier dismissed for groping female comrade’s bottom at party attended by Wills and Kate

A SOLDIER has been kicked out of the Army for groping a female comrade’s bottom at a party attended by Prince William and wife Kate.

“Really drunk” Lance Corporal Shane Ritchie slid his hand down the woman’s back as he reached for a cigarette — and cupped her buttock.

She told his court martial at Bulford, Wilts: “It was a firm touch, a grab.”

The grope was at an Irish Guards’ St Patrick’s Day party at their barracks in Aldershot, Hants, in March 2022.

Kate, now Princess of Wales, gave out shamrock.

Ritchie, 25, of Belfast, denied sexual assault.

He was convicted, dismissed and given a community order.

Judge General Jane England called it “unsolicited drunken sexual conduct”.

In mitigation, defence barrister Matthew Bolt said: “LCpl Ritchie’s life is destroyed.

“He’s lost his job, his career and his good name.

“This could be characterised as a moment of madness.

“He has two young children and a long-term partner… he has now secured an apprenticeship as a sprayer.”

Ritchie was also ordered to complete 60 hours of unpaid work.