King Charles III and the Queen Consort attended a ceremony to present new Standards and Colours to the Royal Navy, the Life Guards of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, The King’s Company of the Grenadier Guards and The King’s Colour Squadron of the Royal Air Force.
The King said it was “the greatest possible privilege”.
His Majesty, dressed in a field marshal uniform, spoke of the “intense pride” he feels and his “profound gratitude” to the many servicemen and servicewomen who stood before him in the back garden of Buckingham Palace on Thursday.
The four Colours and Standards which were consecrated will be seen during the coronation procession on 6 May.
“We very much look forward to seeing these Colours carried on parade in nine days’ time on the occasion of our coronation,” Charles said in a speech.
The Royal Navy, the Life Guards of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, The King’s Company of the Grenadier Guards and The King’s Colour Squadron of the Royal Air Force were all recipients.
Speaking after the presentation, the King said: “Ladies and gentlemen, it is the greatest possible privilege to be able to present a new Standard and Colours to you today in a unique tri-service event in preparation for our coronation.
“It is some 85 years since a King’s Colour has been presented and, on such a special occasion, I particularly wanted to express my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you, as representatives from the three services, for your loyal service over the course of her remarkable reign, to the late Queen who, I know, held you all in such high regard.
“Throughout centuries of distinguished service, to this nation and to the crown, your predecessors – and now you yourselves – have defended these and other shores.
“Through your diligence, professionalism and courage, you have kept our people safe. No task confronting you is too challenging or dangerous.
“Your loyalty and devotion to the service you represent and to your Colours are the hallmark of the gallantry and selflessness you display on our behalf.
“The intense pride I feel in all you represent and stand for is second to none and, as your Sovereign, I can only assure you of my profound gratitude.”
Charles said that whilst the demands on servicemen and women “remain relentless and commitments multifarious”, they continue to “maintain a high-class reputation and set the standard globally within the profession of arms”.
He added: “Whilst I appreciate this comes at some cost to you, but more so your loved ones, it is this high regard in which you are held that is such an incomparable asset to this country.
“Having trained, and served, in both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, and making some close affiliations over the course of the last 47 years as Colonel-in-Chief of multiple regiments within the British Army, my wife joins me in thanking you for your continued service and commitment, and your families, for their tremendous, unwavering support.”
#royal Apr 27, 2023 – King Charles III presented new Standards & Colours to the Royal Navy; the Life Guards of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment; The King's Company of the Grenadier Guards, and The King's Colour Squadron of the Royal Air Force, at Buckingham Palace.(Yui Mok) pic.twitter.com/ozYvRTXqQL
— Mace (@RoyaleVision) April 27, 2023
The King addressed the troops:
“It is some 85 years since a King’s Colour has been presented and, on such a special occasion, I particularly wanted to express my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you, as representatives from the three services, for your loyal service over the course of her remarkable reign, to the late Queen who, I know, held you all in such high regard.
“Throughout centuries of distinguished service, to this nation and to the crown, your predecessors – and now you yourselves – have defended these and other shores.
“Through your diligence, professionalism and courage, you have kept our people safe. No task confronting you is too challenging or dangerous.
“Your loyalty and devotion to the service you represent and to your Colours are the hallmark of the gallantry and selflessness you display on our behalf. The intense pride I feel in all you represent and stand for is second to none and, as your Sovereign, I can only assure you of my profound gratitude.”
The presentation of colors by the monarch to the British military is a longstanding tradition that dates back centuries. The colors are presented to individual units of the British Army by the monarch, who serves as their ceremonial head.
During the ceremony, which is typically held on a parade ground, but for the first time was held at Buckingham Palace, the monarch inspects the troops and then presents the colors to the unit’s commanding officer. The colors are then marched through the ranks of the soldiers in a ceremonial display of respect and honor.
The colors are considered to be a symbol of the unit’s history and tradition, and they are treated with great reverence and respect by members of the military. In battle, the colors serve as a rallying point for the troops, and soldiers will often risk their lives to protect them.
The presentation of colors by the monarch is just one example of the deep ties between the British military and the royal family. It is a powerful symbol of the bond between the two institutions, and it serves as a reminder of the sacrifice and service of those who have served in the armed forces.