King Charles Makes Change Concerning Kate Middleton's Irish Guards Ahead of Trooping the Colour Ceremony
King Charles is making another change amid his monarchy, this time concerning Kate Middleton's Irish Guards.
The royal welcomed the Guard's No. 9 and No. 12 Companies to Windsor Castle earlier today, June 10, where he presented the groups with a new set of colours ahead of his annual birthday parade, known as Trooping the Colour.
It's not clear if there was a change to the design of the colours—otherwise known as battle flags—or if they were just retiring worn ones, but the British Army detailed the 75-year-old's visit on their website, explaining that the colours are made up of a Regimental Colour and the King’s Colour and are "adorned with its emblems and battle honours."
The King’s Colour is made of silk damask with gold-thread embroidery and fringe, with the star of "the most illustrious order" of St Patrick in the middle. The Regimental Colour is embroidered with the number 12, a flaming castle, and 21 of their 52 Battle Honours.
The flags were once used to mark a rallying point for troops on the battlefield, but today are more often used in ceremonies. Prior to active duty, they're "consecrated in a ceremony of prayers and blessings," which took place during Monday's event.
This upcoming weekend, on June 15, marks the official Trooping the Colour event, which is moving forward as scheduled despite many other official royal engagements facing postponement.
As a result of his ongoing cancer treatment, the king and his wife, Camilla, are departing from tradition by riding in a carriage to inspect the troops.
Meanwhile, the Princess of Wales will not be in attendance, despite her role as the Colonel of the Irish Guard. She issued a formal apology to the troops via letter, sharing that it's "a great honor" to be their colonel.
"I am very sorry that I'm unable to take the salute at this year's Colonel's Review," she added, sharing that she hopes she is "able to represent you all once again very soon."
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