King Charles Presents New Colours to Coldstream Guards at Windsor Castle
In a ceremony steeped in tradition and pageantry, King Charles has presented new colours to the 1st and 2nd Battalion Coldstream Guards at Windsor Castle. The new colours, which are set to be carried at the King’s official birthday parade in London on Saturday, June 14th, symbolise the rich history and sacrifices of the regiment. According to Forces News, the ceremony marked a significant milestone in the regiment’s 375th anniversary celebrations.
The ceremony began at Victoria Barracks, where troops marched through the historic town centre of Windsor to the Castle Quadrangle. It was here that the traditional ceremony of prayers and blessings took place, marking the handover of the new colours. Lieutenant Colonel Ed Michell, Commanding Officer of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards, expressed his pride and gratitude at being presented with the new colours by His Majesty the King. “Being presented new colours by His Majesty the King on the occasion of the regiment’s 375th birthday is an enormous privilege for the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards and every person on parade feels pride at the unique opportunity that they are part of,” he said, as reported by Forces News.
The new silk flags are adorned with 44 of the Guards’ 133 battle honours and, for the first time in 70 years, feature the King’s crown. The design reflects the long and storied history of the Coldstream Guards, symbolising the sacrifices of all those who have died fighting in their name. Historically, colours acted as a rallying point during battle, allowing soldiers to easily identify their unit. As Forces News notes, the new colours represent a return to the battalion operating together, following deployments on operations in Iraq, Ukraine, West Africa, the Caribbean, and the Middle East over the last 18 months.
The presentation of new colours to the regiment is a rare and significant event. The last time the regiment received new colours was in 2012, when they were presented by the late Queen. As Colonel-in-Chief of the Coldstream Guards, King Charles addressed the 400 personnel on parade, thanking them for their service at home, overseas, and for their training of Ukrainian forces. “I bestow these colours into your safe-keeping in the knowledge that you will continue to uphold the very highest standards of military prowess and the indomitable spirit that your regiment has shown over the last 375 years,” he said, as quoted by Forces News. “No matter what lies ahead.”
The Coldstream Guards, who are the Army’s oldest continuously serving regiment, are set to take part in Saturday’s Trooping the Colour in London. This event marks a significant milestone in the regiment’s 375th anniversary celebrations. According to Forces News, the regiment has a long and distinguished history, having served with distinction in numerous conflicts and operations around the world.
In conclusion, the presentation of new colours to the Coldstream Guards by King Charles at Windsor Castle marks a significant milestone in the regiment’s history. The ceremony, which was steeped in tradition and pageantry, was a testament to the regiment’s enduring spirit and commitment to service. As Forces News reports, the regiment will continue to uphold the highest standards of military prowess and service, as they mark 375 years of continuous service to the Crown.
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