Windsor Castle served as the backdrop for an unprecedented military ceremony as the King, in his capacity as Captain General Royal Marines, bestowed new Colours upon four Commando units simultaneously.
The presentation to 40, 42, 43 and 45 Commando Royal Marines marked a historic first on two counts: never before has a reigning monarch acting as Captain General personally presented Colours to the Royal Marines, and this was the inaugural occasion when four Commando units received their Colours at the same time.
The significance of the event reflects the deep ceremonial traditions connecting the Crown to Britain's elite amphibious forces, whose modern incarnation draws upon the proud legacy of Commando Forces from the Second World War.
The parade assembled at Victoria Barracks before proceeding through the streets of Windsor, entering the castle grounds via the George IV Gate.
From the dais, the King received a Royal Salute as the Massed Bands of His Majesty's Royal Marines performed the National Anthem.
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Once the Old Colours had been paraded off for the final time, His Majesty joined the assembled troops at the Quadrangle, accompanied by the First Sea Lord and Commandant General Royal Marines, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins.
From the dais, the King received a Royal Salute as the Massed Bands of His Majesty's Royal Marines performed the National Anthem.
Brigadier Jaimie Norman, Commander UK Commando Forces, then approached the monarch to deliver his report and extend an invitation for His Majesty to inspect the assembled Royal Marines.
The Chaplain of the Fleet performed the consecration ritual, transforming the flags into sacred Colours as they lay draped across a stack of regimental drums.
Once the Old Colours had been paraded off for the final time, His Majesty joined the assembled troops at the Quadrangle, accompanied by the First Sea Lord and Commandant General Royal Marines, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins.
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Windsor Castle served as the backdrop for an unprecedented military ceremony as the King, in his capacity as Captain General Royal Marines, bestowed new Colours upon four Commando units simultaneously.
|GETTY
This drum stack arrangement echoes a centuries-old military custom whereby soldiers would fashion a makeshift altar on the battlefield or at camp, creating a hallowed space for prayers seeking divine protection and bravery before combat.
Following the consecration, the King personally presented each of the new Colours, offering a salute to every one in turn.
His Majesty then returned to the dais to deliver an address to the parade, after which General Sir Gwyn Jenkins spoke in response on behalf of all Royal Marines present.
The Colours themselves are crafted from silk damask, featuring intricate gold thread embroidery and decorative fringing, with each bearing the names of battle honours and royal cyphers earned throughout the unit's history.
His Majesty then returned to the dais to deliver an address to the parade, after which General Sir Gwyn Jenkins spoke in response on behalf of all Royal Marines present.
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The Colours continue to accompany Commando Units on all deployments worldwide.
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Historically, these ceremonial flags served as crucial rallying points during combat, allowing troops to regroup amid the chaos of battle.
Though no longer carried into active conflict, the Colours remain potent emblems of each unit's heritage, accomplishments and collective spirit.
Crucially, the flags cannot fulfil their ceremonial role until the consecration rite has been completed, transforming them from mere fabric into sacred regimental symbols.
The Colours continue to accompany Commando Units on all deployments worldwide.