Before “Trooping the Colour”
King Charles presents the new flags
King Charles III and the companies of Irish Guards during the ceremony at Windsor Castle.
© imago/iImages
At a ceremony, Charles presented the new flags to the companies of the Irish Guards for the military parade “Trooping the Colour”.
The ceremony at Windsor Castle
Charles, who also holds the title of Colonel of Chief, appeared at the ceremony dressed in uniform as he inspected and received the guardsmen and officers of the parade. Earlier, the Band of the Irish Guards marched through the George IV Gate into the castle courtyard, led by their mascot, an Irish wolfhound named Turlough Mor, nicknamed Seamus. The Irish Guards and the new flags will be part of the military parade on Saturday.
The Colours, which are decorated with emblems and awards of a regiment, have traditional value at “Trooping the Colour” as they originally served as a rallying point for the troops on the battlefield.
Kate was absent from rehearsals this weekend
Princess Kate (42) usually serves as the “Regimental Colonel” of the Irish Guards. In this role, she was supposed to be present at the dress rehearsal of “Trooping the Colour” last weekend (June 8). At the end of May, however, the palace announced that Kate would not be attending the event due to her cancer treatment. The wife of Prince William (41) apologized for her absence in a letter to the infantry regiment. “I hope that I can represent you all very soon,” it said, among other things.
It is currently unclear whether Kate will be seen on the balcony of Buckingham Palace with her family on June 15. The royals’ joint balcony appearance is considered one of the traditional highlights in Great Britain every year. King Charles, who is also suffering from cancer, will take part in his birthday parade “Trooping the Colour” in a carriage with his wife Camilla (76).