Trooping the Colour, Changing of the Guard, etc: Public Duties

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• Trooping the Colour, Changing of the Guard, etc: Public Duties

BBC NEWS | England | Berkshire | Irish Guards awarded Iraq colours



The Queen presents new colours to 1st Battalion Irish Guards at Windsor Castle - Telegraph
The Queen presents new colours to 1st Battalion Irish Guards at Windsor Castle

The Queen praised "a remarkable record of service" as she presented new colours to the 1st Battalion Irish Guards at Windsor Castle.

The colours, presented to two young officers, displayed for the first time new battle honours recognising the battalion's service in Iraq.

"You have the greatest cause to be proud of your achievements", aid the Queen, addressing the regiment as its Colonel-in-Chief.

The Guards, who have lost four soldiers since the initial invasion in 2003, was the first regiment to go into Basra.

Commending its engagement in "the most testing operations", the Queen also recognised its service in Kosovo in 1999 and later in Iraq.

But as the Queen addressed those gathered, she recognised others currently deployed in southern Afghanistan and those who had suffered during service.

Dressed in a blue coat and hat, the Queen said: "This has been a remarkable record of service, but not without cost.

"In Iraq, four members of the regiment were killed, others among you have been wounded and otherwise endured great suffering.

"We should commend your families too for the loyal support they have given amid the uncertainties of your often long and difficult absences.
"All of this speaks well of the regiment and the safekeeping of its illustrious reputation. You have the greatest cause to be proud of your achievements."

And while highlighting the spirit of the Guards, the Queen reminded the regiment of the importance of their colours.

"These colours – on which is now emblazoned a new battle honour for the invasion of Iraq – are symbolic of the renewed spirit which describes the Irish Guards," the monarch said.

"They serve as a reminder to us all of the gallantry of the past and as an inspiration for the future, whatever it may hold."

And the monarch added: "One thing is certain: the men who rally round these colours will continue to uphold the steadfast values of comradeship and selfless sacrifice for which the regiment has stood throughout its history."

More than 500 guardsman were present for the consecration and presentation on the Quadrangle at Windsor Castle today.

The Queen, accompanied by the Duke of Edinburgh, was met by Major General William Cubitt, acting Colonel of the Regiment, at the Sovereign's Entrance, ahead of the presentation.

She was escorted in the sunshine across the grass of the Quadrangle to her seat, ahead of the ceremony.

The Duke of Edinburgh, wearing a Guard's uniform, was led to his seat beside the monarch by Lieutenant Colonel Brian O'Gorman, Regimental Adjutant.

Earlier, the old colours were paraded up to Windsor Castle, before they were marched before the battalion and then away, to Auld Lang Syne – symbolising their retirement from service.

Following a Royal Salute, Commanding Officer Lieutenant Colonel Ben Farrell, reported that the parade was ready for the Queen's inspection.
Crowds of families and friends watched keenly as the monarch walked the length of the Quadrangle.

The new colours were then presented to the regiment, received by ensigns Lieutenant Adam Kennard and Second Lieutenant Charlie Gair.


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Cor.
Bloody marvellous!

Watched it on TV with two fascinated sprogs.
May have to take them to see it next time, I could watch that for hours.

Trooping The Colour
BBC NEWS | In Pictures | In pictures: Trooping the Colour

Bring back the Royal Tournament I say!

~A

 

Only the UK can put on a show such as that.
Dunno Peter, Adam & I once chatted about the French do the Ceremonial thing pretty well to.
I missed it , was busy in the garden.

 

I loved watching this - brought back memories of watching previous ones to the critical yet proud comments of my father.

 

Dunno Peter, Adam & I once chatted about the French do the Ceremonial thing pretty well to.

Yeah, they're usually pretty good too, certainly more convincing uniforms than many states. But let's be honest - maybe #2 ? But I think the Russians might actually be serious competitors too.

Some good pageantry here:
YouTube - France Celebrates Bastille Day
(Though maybe a little 'flashy' ).

These chaps have a certain something, stylish:
YouTube - Historical Troops Parade. Red Square (1987)

Pretty hard to beat though I reckon:
YouTube - 1993 Royal Tournament - Kings Troop RHA
And we once saw these chaps at a do at Powderham Castle. You could almost hear the knicker elastic snapping among even the most non-militaristic ladies in the crowd when the drummers stepped up:
YouTube - The Royal Marines 'Beat Retreat'

Missed the French Sailors while watching Arromanches, though it seems the whole thing was a bit messy from the comments of those that visited, (and not really a comparative event in terms of prepared pageantry anyway).

 

Some more pics from the day's coverage.