King speaks of his 'intense pride' as he presents new Colours and Standards

King Charles has spoken of his "intense pride" in presenting all three services of the Armed Forces with new Standards and Colours.

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.

The event on Thursday began with Charles's arrival in the Quadrangle of Buckingham Palace, announced by a fanfare by the state trumpeters of the Household Cavalry.

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Personnel assembled alongside His Majesty's Royal Marines Band and the Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment.

It was the first Colours presentation at which all three services of the Armed Forces were represented.

Charles, dressed in a Field Marshal uniform, said it was "the greatest possible privilege" and spoke of his "profound gratitude" to the many servicemen and servicewomen who stood before him in the back garden of Buckingham Palace.

The three Colours were blessed by the three service chaplains, in the presence of the First Sea Lord, the Regimental Lieutenant Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, and the Chief of the Air Staff.

The Colours and Standards, which were consecrated, will be seen in 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," King Charles said in a speech.

"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."

While Colours are renewed every 10 to 12 years, The King's Company Colour, the Royal Standard of the Grenadier Guards, is the personal gift of the Sovereign, is presented only once in each reign, and is laid at the feet of the sovereign who has died, upon their catafalque.