Princess Anne returns to the UK to support King Charles during major event at Windsor Castle
King Charles and Princess Anne attended the Household Cavalry new Standards Parade at Windsor Castle today.
The ceremony involved the consecration and presentation of new Standards, which hold the highest reverence.
These Standards symbolise the Cavalry Squadrons’ history, achievements and identity.
His Majesty was received on the dais in the Quadrangle with a Royal Salute, followed by the National Anthem.
King Charles and Princess Anne attended the Household Cavalry new Standards Parade at Windsor Castle today.
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The King and Princess Royal inspected the parade alongside Lieutenant General Sir Edward Smyth-Osbourne, Colonel of The Life Guards.
The Chaplain General consecrated the Standards before they were presented to The King.
The new Standards are made from silk damask with gold and silver embroidery.
They will be used routinely by the regiments wherever they are based.
The King and Princess Royal inspected the parade alongside Lieutenant General Sir Edward Smyth-Osbourne, Colonel of The Life Guards.
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This differs from the Sovereign’s Standards which are reserved for Royal duties and State processions.
During the ceremony, the new Union Standards were placed upon silver kettle drums at the centre of the parade.
The Household Cavalry, of which The King is Colonel-in-Chief, comprises the two most senior regiments in the British Army: The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals.
It is divided into the Household Cavalry Regiment and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.
The King addressed the parade from the dais after the Standards were handed to the Commanding Officers.
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Since 1660, these soldiers have served as the Monarch’s trusted guardians.
They also represent the public face of the British Army both at home and abroad.
Princess Anne holds the position of Colonel of The Blues and Royals.
The King addressed the parade from the dais after the Standards were handed to the Commanding Officers.
The ceremony concluded with a Royal Fanfare and the parade march past.
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The ceremony concluded with a Royal Fanfare and the parade march past.
Today’s ceremony follows the Household Cavalry’s receipt of their Sovereign’s Standards from The King in April 2023, shortly before His Coronation.
The Band of the Household Cavalry, Dismounted Squadrons and Mounted Troops were positioned in the Quadrangle throughout the ceremony.
The Sovereign’s Standard was also marched on parade.
