THE Duke of Cambridge presented new colours to the 1st Battalion Irish Guards at Windsor Castle ahead of the Platinum Jubilee celebrations next month.
The ceremony, held on May 17, saw 450 guardsmen and family members watch as Prince William presented the new colours in the Quadrangle.
The battalion is set to take part in the annual Trooping the Colour ceremony, on June 2, to mark the monarch’s 70-year reign.
The Duke of Cambridge, the Colonel of the Irish Guards, was welcomed with a royal salute before inspecting the regiment.
Wearing his Irish Guards uniform, Prince William presented the two new colours, to which one was the New Queen’s Colour, to time up with Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee.
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As part of the ceremony, The Duke delivered a speech to the regiment.
He said: “I am honoured as your Colonel, to be representing Her Majesty The Queen today, and to present your tenth set of new Colours in the Platinum Jubilee year of The Queen, your Colonel-in-Chief.
“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.”
The ceremony was followed by a private reception at the Royal Household Cricket Club where Prince William, officers and colonels gathered for a group photograph in the sunshine.
And the Regimental Mascot Irish Wolfhound Turlough Mor, also known as Seamus, also posed for the photo.
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His handler, drummer Adam Walsh, said: “Getting the new colours happens only once or twice in a guardsman’s career so it’s very special for me, especially as it was Seamus’ first time as well so the two of us were very proud to be standing there while we were getting the new colours.
“Seamus stood very still and there wasn’t much moaning from him.”
Lieutenant Colonel James Aldridge MBE, commanding officer of the regiment, added: “It’s been fantastic getting the new colours for this special occasion.
“Rehearsals are underway ahead Trooping the Colour, we’ve been practicing every day since we got back from Easter.
“Last week we were doing formal parades wearing tunics to do the Queen’s Guard Mount from Horse Guards, so it’s been a steady progression.”
On June 2, more than 1,500 soldiers and 350 horses from the Household Division are set to parade for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Birthday Parade.
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