Guard of honour from Coldstream Guards welcomes Dutch defence chief to Army HQ

The Dutch defence secretary has been welcomed to London with a guard of honour from the Coldstream Guards while meeting his UK counterpart.

Minister of Defence Ruben Brekelmans was a guest of the UK Defence Secretary John Healey on his visit to Horse Guards Parade.

The pair were welcomed to the Army HQ by Major General James Bowder, the Major General Commanding the Household Division.

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Maj Gen James Bowder escorted them through the historic arches of the official entrance to the Royal Palaces, before Number 7 Company, Coldstream Guards delivered a guard of honour on Horse Guards Parade.

Mr Brekelmans was invited to inspect the guard of honour by Captain of the Guard Major Andy Dickinson.

As a mark of respect for their guest, Maj Dickinson spoke in perfect Dutch.

Supporting the Coldstream Guards was the Senior Drum Major of the Household Division and the Band of the Grenadier Guards.

As well as performing a number of military tunes, they also performed the national anthem of the Netherlands.