The Queen, joined by The Prince of Wales, today presented the Welsh Guards with their new Colours.
At Windsor Castle, Prince Charles, Colonel of the Welsh Guards, helped his mother present the new colours to over 300 troops in their red tunics and iconic bearskin hats.
This new set for the Welsh Guards comes nine years after their last, and comes in the 100th anniversary of the regiment, having first received their colours from George V in 1915.
Colours are a regiment’s flags, which were originally carried into battle so that soldiers could see where the rest of their unit was. It also carries battle honours to show which conflicts the regiment has seen active service, serving their Queen and country.
The Duchess of Cornwall and Duke of Edinburgh also attended, Philip in his Irish Guards frock coat. The Queen also notably wore her Welsh Guards badge brooch, with Prince Charles in full Welsh Guards uniform.
Her Majesty made a speech at the presentation:
‘It has been nine years since I presented you with the Colours that have just been marched off parade.
‘Guardsmen who have served with the Regiment during those years, some of whom are no doubt here today, will have seen operational tours to Iraq, Bosnia, Kosovo and Afghanistan, interspersed with fire-fighting, state ceremonial and other public duties.
‘I am speaking to those Guardsmen and indeed to each and every one of you assembled here today, when I say that I am proud of what you have achieved together.
‘It is the indomitable family spirit of the Welsh Guards that has been your hallmark.
And so, in this historic year for the Regiment, we celebrate your many achievements and remember with sad reflection the fallen and wounded of the world wars and of more recent conflicts.’
The Queen also said that ‘no 100th birthday greeting will give greater pleasure’ to give this year, than this one to the Welsh Guards.
Featured image: Ministry of Defence