King Charles has presented new Colours to the Coldstream Guards at Windsor Castle today, marking the regiment's 375th anniversary year.
The ceremony saw the monarch, as Colonel-in-Chief, present four ceremonial flags to the 1st and 2nd Battalion (Number 7 Company).
The event took place in the castle's Quadrangle after the battalions marched from Victoria Barracks through the George IV Gate.
One of the newly consecrated Colours will be carried by Number 7 Company during tomorrow's Trooping the Colour at the King's Birthday Parade in London.
King Charles has presented new Colours to the Coldstream Guards at Windsor Castle today, marking the regiment's 375th anniversary year.
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The presentation reinforces the regiment's centuries-old service to the Crown.
The King received a Royal Salute from a dais whilst the Band of the Coldstream Guards played the National Anthem. Lieutenant General Sir James Bucknall, Colonel of the Regiment, accompanied the monarch throughout the ceremony.
Following the salute, Regimental Lieutenant Colonel Toby Till invited His Majesty to inspect the regiment.
The Chaplain-General then consecrated the new Colours, transforming them from flags into ceremonial Colours whilst they lay draped across stacked regimental drums.
This drum stack arrangement reflects a battlefield tradition where soldiers would create makeshift altars for services before combat.
One of the newly consecrated Colours will be carried by Number 7 Company during tomorrow's Trooping the Colour at the King's Birthday Parade in London.
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After the consecration, the new Colours were presented to the King, who touched them in acknowledgement.
The Coldstream Guards, known as the Sovereign's bodyguard, regularly guard the Royal Palaces in London and Windsor. King Charles became Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment on 22nd December 2022.
Over the past eighteen months, the regiment has maintained an active operational presence.
They have deployed to Iraq, supported training efforts for Ukraine's Armed Forces, and delivered training programmes across West Africa, the Caribbean and the Middle East.
The ceremony celebrates the regiment's 375-year history of service to the Crown.
The Coldstream Guards, known as the Sovereign's bodyguard, regularly guard the Royal Palaces in London and Windsor. King Charles became Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment on 22nd December 2022.
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Following the presentation, the King addressed the parade from the dais before the Regimental Lieutenant Colonel delivered a brief response.
The Colours are ceremonial flags crafted from silk damask, featuring gold thread embroidery and fringe. Each bears the regiment's battle honours and cyphers.
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The ceremony of prayers and blessings transformed them into official Colours, enabling Number 7 Company to carry them at tomorrow's King's Birthday Parade on 14th June.
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The flags required consecration before they could serve in active duty.
The ceremony of prayers and blessings transformed them into official Colours, enabling Number 7 Company to carry them at tomorrow's King's Birthday Parade on 14th June.
After the consecration, the new Colours were marched back to the assembled Guards, who gave three cheers before marching off parade.
The presentation ensures the regiment will carry freshly consecrated Colours for the monarch's official birthday celebrations.
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