With The King still out of action from undertaking public facing duties whilst, members of the Royal Family are stepping in on his behalf for key engagements.
It was The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh’s turn to represent His Majesty yesterday, as they attended a parade at Buckingham Palace to commemorate the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh carried out duties on behalf of The King. (Royal Family)
Signed on 8th April 1904, the Entente Cordiale was a diplomatic agreement between Britain and France, which laid the groundwork for the countries’ cooperation during the First World War.
Whilst this wasn’t a formal alliance, it served as a basis for a stronger relationship between the neighbours.
Today’s Changing of the Guard marked the first time a non-Commonwealth Country has taken part in the duty. (Royal Family)
A view of the Parade from the top of Buckingham Palace. (Royal Family)
Consisting of 32 members of the French Gendarmerie’s Garde Républicaine and 40 Guardsmen from the Scots Guards, it was the first time a non-Commonwealth Country has taken part in the Changing of the Guard Ceremony.
Crowds outside of the palace gates got to enjoy the spectacle.
The Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, accompanied by the French Ambassador, then inspected the French and British troops.
The presence of French personnel represents the long-standing bond between the UK and France which celebrates the two nations’ historic military and diplomatic ties.
Last year, King Charles and Queen Camilla conducted a State Visit to France, which was His Majesty’s second outgoing visit in his reign.
History about to be made as @Gendarmerie arrive at Buckingham Palace to take part in the Changing of the Guard ceremony with F Company @scots_guards marking 120 years of Entente Cordiale 🇫🇷 🤝 🇬🇧 @RoyalFamily @BritishArmy @FranceintheUK @UKDefenceFrance pic.twitter.com/uKgwfYxUMv
— The Army in London (@ArmyInLondon) April 8, 2024
Whilst the parade was taking place at Buckingham Palace, the Elysée Palace in Paris hosted British personnel in a similar ceremony, featuring 16 soldiers from Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards and troops from 1er Regiment de la Garde Republicaine.
The troops were inspected in the courtyard of the Elysée Palace by President Macron.
