Duke Of York Officially Becomes Colonel Of The Grenadier Guards

The Duke of York has officially become the Colonel of the Grenadier Guards at a reception with the Queen at Windsor Castle.

Prince Andrew has taken over the appointment from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, who had held the post since 1975.

The Queen gave her formal approval to the appointment in December, but today, the Duke of York inspected the Grenadier Guards parade and took the Royal Salute to mark his new position.

The Grenadier Guards boast 78 Battle Honours having served with distinction in campaigns throughout British history, particularly in the Napoleonic, Crimean, Boer, First and Second World Wars, winning a total of 14 Victoria Crosses and one George Cross.

They were one of the final units involved in ground combat in Afghanistan.