End of an era: Duke of Kent celebrates final day as Colonel of Scots Guards
After 50 years of service as Colonel of the Scots Guards, the Duke of Kent has passed the Colonelcy of the Regiment to the Duke of Edinburgh during the Black Sunday parade.
The Duke of Kent, Prince Edward, attended The Scots Guards annual Black Sunday events in London on 14 April, his final day as Colonel of the Regiment as he now passes that title on to the Duke of Edinburgh.
"The Duke of Kent has been at the helm of the Scots Guards for fifty years," said Regimental Lieutenant Colonel of the Scots Guards, Colonel JDL Leask MBE.
On handing over the Colonelcy, the Duke of Kent said: "Serving as Colonel of the Scots Guards since 1974, the longest anyone has spent in this role, has been a true honour and one which will forever fill me with great joy.
"Through those years, I have seen the work of the Scots Guards during peacetime and war and witnessed their bravery, selfless courage, and devotion to duty.
"To my fellow Scots Guardsmen, I am immensely proud to have served you all.
"I am delighted that His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh will continue to champion all that you do and work towards preserving your great legacy."
The Duke of Kent served as an officer in The Royal Scots Greys between 1955 and 1971.
The transferal of the title took place on Black Sunday, the annual day of remembrance for fallen regiment members and their families.
The Duke took part in a Service of Remembrance at the Guards Chapel in Wellington Barracks with members of the Scots Guards before taking the salute for the final time as Colonel of the Regiment at a Scots Guards Parade.
As Colonel of the regiment since 1974, the Duke of Kent has long supported the work of the Scots Guards, including travelling to Afghanistan and Iraq in 2008.
As the new Colonel of the Scots Guards, the Duke of Edinburgh said: "The Duke of Kent has been an extraordinary Colonel of the Scots Guards.
"Quite apart from his depth of knowledge and keen understanding of the regiment and all those who serve, past and present, he has been a tireless and passionate advocate.
"It is a distinct honour to be asked and entrusted by His Majesty to serve as the next Colonel.
"However, I accept with a degree of trepidation as I will undoubtedly be measured against the formidable record and reputation of my predecessor. I can only promise to do my best.
"He is the only Colonel most of us have known. He has been a constant in a rapidly changing world," added Colonel Leask.
"His loyalty to the regiment and selfless commitment to the country has been an example to us all.
"The regiment is delighted that His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh will shortly become the 27th Colonel Scots Guards.
"This is a seminal moment for us. It marks the end of a remarkable era and the start of a new and exciting chapter in our long and distinguished history."
Join Our Newsletter
