The new Colours were presented to 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards just in time for Trooping the Colour on Saturday - a highlight of the ceremonial calendar — The new Colours were presented to 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards just in time for Trooping the Colour on Saturday – a highlight of the ceremonial calendar

The Batallion, led by the Band of the Grenadier Guards, assembled at Wellington Barracks before marching to Buckingham Palace - regardless of the puddles — The Batallion, led by the Band of the Grenadier Guards, assembled at Wellington Barracks before marching to Buckingham Palace – regardless of the puddles

Each Colour must be personally touched by the monarch and receive a blessing before it can become part of the regiment

The regimental drums were stacked to form the altar for the drumhead service, as each new Colour must receive a blessing from the padre

Following a Royal Salute and the National Anthem, the Regimental Lieutenant Colonel, Major General James Bowder, invited the King to inspect the soldiers

British Army Colours, which include Standards and Guidons, display regimental symbols and battle honours, and represent the soul, history and spirit of the regiment

The last time Colours were used in war was in 1881, but Colours are still taken on military operations, the previous ones of Queen Elizabeth II were taken to Iraq and Afghanistan

It will be only a short while before the monarch is reunited with one of the Colours as it is trooped before him at the King's Birthday Parade

Army

King presents new Colours just days before Grenadier Guards will return the favour

Mike Morton

10th June 2026 at 12:02pm

New Colours have been presented to 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards – the most senior infantry regiment in the Army – in a ceremony attended by King Charles and Queen Camilla.

One of the new Colours with be carried by The King's Company at the King's Birthday Parade on Saturday, better known as Trooping the Colour.

The parade formed up at Wellington Barracks in Westminster, where the guardsmen carried the regiment's old Colours for the last time before they marched to the gardens at Buckingham Palace.

A salute for the Colonel

The Queen, who is Colonel of the regiment, received a Royal Salute from the dais as the Band of the Grenadier Guards played the National Anthem.

She then looked on as the old Colours were marched off the parade for the last time.

One of the new Colours will make a public appearance on Saturday when it is trooped before the monarch, the duty this year falling on 1st Battalion.

Members of the Household Division have been practising for weeks, including two full dress rehearsals – the Major General's Review and the Colonel's Review.

A distinguished history

The Grenadier Guards has fought in every conflict in British military history, including the Battle of Tangier in 1664, the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, the First and Second World Wars and the war in Afghanistan.

Today, along with the other regiments in the Household Division, it fulfils two roles – operational and ceremonial.

The Grenadier Guards carries out light infantry operations, most recently being deployed to Cyprus and Kenya.

Despite its crucial operational duties, the regiment is probably better known to the public for its ceremonial duties where it guards the Royal Palaces in London and Windsor.

All images courtesy of the Ministry of Defence.