King praises the 'vital work' of the Irish Guards ahead of central role in Trooping the Colour
Ahead of their central role in Trooping the Colour on Saturday, the King has paid tribute to the "professionalism, courage and humour" of the Irish Guards.
Number 9 and 12 Companies Irish Guards were presented new colours at a Windsor Castle ceremony by the King ahead of his official birthday parade in London.
The King highlighted the regiment's efforts during the Covid pandemic and "vital work to counter terrorism in Iraq and to bolster security across Africa".
'Colours' is the name given to the flags representing different regiments of the British Army. They were originally used as rallying points for troops on the battlefield.
In a symbolic ceremony, the King touched the new flags – the King's Colour and the Regimental Colour – signalling their special status as the "soul of the regiment" after they were consecrated by the Army's Chaplain General Reverend Michael Parker.
During the ceremony in Windsor Castle's quadrangle, the King said: "In recent years, the regiment has continued to serve with immense distinction.
"Around the world, your achievements include vital work to counter terrorism in Iraq and to bolster security across Africa by providing high-quality training teams to work with local forces.
"At home, you played an indispensable role in assisting the civil authorities during the Covid pandemic and, only last year, training Ukrainian forces to enable them to defend their homeland.
"I was privileged to see the impressive results of this latter work for myself, during a visit to Knook Camp, on Salisbury Plain."
He added: "In this ever-changing world, it is no exaggeration to say that the whole regiment finds itself occupying a central role in defence's contribution to the myriad challenges which societies must face.
"In all of this, you bring to your duty a blend of professionalism, courage and humour which has always marked out Irish Guardsmen."
After the presentation of the new colours, King Charles met some of the 'regimental family' – past guardsmen and relatives of officers and soldiers on parade who were invited to watch the ceremony.
Ahead of the review, Princess Catherine wrote a letter to the regiment apologising for her absence and expressing her pride in the soldiers ahead of the Colonel's Review.
In March 2023, the Princess of Wales took over the role of Colonel of the Irish Guards from the Prince of Wales.
As Colonel of the regiment, she would usually take the salute at the ceremonial event, but she apologised for being unable to attend as she continues to receive treatment for cancer.
The letter, which was signed 'Colonel Catherine', was read out to the troops at their barracks and received a round of applause.
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