Prince Andrew was joined by his mother, The Queen, at Windsor Castle to formally mark his appointment as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards; his father, The Duke of Edniburgh was also due to attend, but pulled out feeling ill.
The Duke of York was given the title in December of last year, when he took over the role from his father. Prince Phillip had been Colonel of the Grenadier Guards since 1975, but passed the title to his son last year as he retired from royal duties.
Prince Andrew at the ceremony marking his formal installation as colonel of the grenadier guards. MOD/Sgt Paul Randall RLC
The Duke of York and Her Majesty The Queen attend a parade to mark Andrew’s appointment as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards (Royal Family)
Yesterday, Andrew was joined The Queen – dressed in pale pink and her Grenadier brooch; Princess Elizabeth actually used to be Colonel of the Guards herself; she was appointed to the role on her 16th birthday, and held the position until her accession to the throne in 1952.
The Duke of Edinburgh was scheduled to join them for this formal hand-over of the role, but felt ‘unwell’ so did not attend the indoor event. Philip is now 96.
This appointment means that Prince Andrew will join Charles, Anne and William on horseback behind The Queen’s carriage at Trooping the Colour this June. The Duke has traditionally joined other members of the family in carriages, however, this year he will be taking on this more prominent role in the procession.
Her Majesty The Queen and the Duke of York pose for an official photograph with the Grenadier Guards. MOD/Antoinette Eugster)
Yesterday’s ceremony included a parade in St George’s Hall by the Grenadier Guards. Her Majesty looked on proudly as Andrew oversaw the ceremony and took the salute. Mother and son also posed for an official photo with the Guards to commemorate the occasion. The Band of the Grenadier Guards provided music throughout the ceremony.
On Wednesday, we saw The Duke of York carry out a number of engagements, including seeing work at the UK’s nuclear fusion centre.
Afterwards, the assembled guests, including members of the Grenadier Guards Association, attended a reception in the castle’s Grand Reception Room.
Prince Andrew The Duke of York the new Regimental Colonel of the Grenadier Guards inspects and speaks to members of the Grenadier Guards during the parade. MOD/Sgt Paul Randall RLC
The Grenadier Guards are a particularly historic regiment within the British Army. The Guards have 78 battle honours and have served in significant campaigns throughout history, including the Crimean War and the First and Second World Wars. Members of the Guards have won 14 Victoria Crosses and one George Cross. More recently, the Grenadier Guards were one of the last units to be involved in ground conflict in Afghanistan.
