The Duke of Cambridge took the salute on Saturday at the Colonel’s Review, a military rehearsal for The Queen’s upcoming birthday parade, Trooping the Colour.
As Colonel of the Irish Guards, Prince William reviewed the troops. It’s his job to ensure that the personnel are of the required standard ahead of Trooping, for the complex display set against a backdrop of military music.
The Colonel’s Review is the opportunity for the Royal Colonel of the Irish Guards, The Duke of Cambridge, to review his troops ahead of the Platinum Jubilee Trooping the Colour (Sgt Donald C Todd RLC Photographer/MOD)
William, who was on horseback, watched the 90-minute rehearsal for the annual military event, which will start the celebrations for The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
The future King watched as more than 1,500 soldiers and 350 horses carried out battlefield drill manoeuvres. More than 7,000 guests watched on as the soldiers and horses carried out challenging drills to a programme of music.
1,500 soldiers
350 horses
5 days to go until the Trooping of the ColourToday’s Colonel’s Review of the @irish_guards is the final evaluation of the parade before next week’s #PlatinumJubilee celebrations. pic.twitter.com/7m6mzUodTR
— The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge (@KensingtonRoyal) May 28, 2022
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The Duke presented the Guards with their new colours earlier this month.
Speaking at the event, William said: “In this historic Platinum Jubilee year, we rightly celebrate your many achievements. I know that Her Majesty is looking forward to seeing these new colours trooped during Her Official Birthday Parade next month. I also know they will inspire you and your successors to emulate the deeds of the Irish Guardsmen who have gone before as you continue to serve our Nation, in conflict or in peace, at home and abroad.
“The thoughts and prayers of my own family, which enjoys a close and proud connection with the Irish Guards, will be with you as you set about this most important task.”
He was appointed Colonel of the Irish Guards in 2011.
Prince William performed the Colonel’s Review in his capacity as Colonel of the Irish Guards, who will troop their colour at this week’s birthday parade (MOD)
The year’s Trooping the Colour is set to look different as it’s been reported The Queen will not receive the royal salute at this year’s Trooping the Colour. Plans are said to be drawn up for members of the Royal Family to replace the 96-year-old Monarch for the first time in her 70-year reign.
The Prince of Wales, Duke of Cambridge and Princess Royal are set to take a greater role in this year’s ceremony. Charles, William and Anne will ride in the parade as colonels of the Welsh Guards, the Irish Guards and the Blues and Royals respectively.
It comes as The Queen has been suffering from recent mobility issues and has been seen to be using a walking stick during recent engagements. However, her mobility issues haven’t stopped her from making her presence at engagements as she used an electric buggy at this year’s RHS Chelsea Flower Show.
