Duke of Edinburgh pays tribute at 100th anniversary of memorial on Cavalry Sunday

The Duke of Edinburgh has taken the salute at the centenary parade and service of the Combined Cavalry Old Comrades Association in London's Hyde Park.

More than 3,000 serving, veteran and reserve personnel attended the parade, which originally remembered the fallen from the First World War, but  now pays tribute to those from subsequent conflicts.

Prince Edward, the Colonel-in-Chief of the Royal Dragoon Guards, met members of the Association, most of whom were wearing traditional bowler hats and carrying furled umbrellas, before laying a wreath at the memorial.

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This year's annual Combined Cavalry Old Comrades Association parade and service, also known as Cavalry Sunday, took on special significance as it marked the centenary of the memorial.

The Life Guards, The Blues and Royals, The Queen's Royal Hussars, The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, The Light Dragoons and many more were in attendance.

Looking dapper, all officers on parade traditionally are dressed in pin-striped suits and bowler hats.

Some carry umbrellas never opened – a nod to the Duke of Wellington's advice to avoid French ridicule.

Regimental legend has it that the Duke is believed to have told his officers that the French would laugh at them if they unfurled their umbrellas.

The iconic bowler hats were tipped when passing Prince Edward, who stood in front of the Cavalry Memorial, as they marched past.

Leading the parade was Juno, the drum horse of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. 

The cherished mascot pony of 1st The Queen's Dragoon Guards also joined the ranks, delighting onlookers who had gathered to watch the procession.

The Cavalry Memorial, unveiled in 1924 by the Earl of Ypres, is cast from enemy guns captured in WWI.

Symbolising valour, it depicts St George, the Cavalry's patron saint.

Cavalry Sunday, organised by the Combined Cavalry Old Comrades Association, is comprised of various cavalry and yeomanry regimental associations, and takes place on the second Sunday in May.