King Charles and Princess Anne are attending the Household Cavalry's new Standards Parade at Windsor Castle this afternoon. The event sees the presentation of new standards - large ceremonial flags - to The Life Guards and the Blues and Royals, which are the two most senior regiments in the British Army.
The ceremonial event is full of pomp and pageantry, with the Band of the Household Cavalry, The Dismounted Squadrons and Mounted Troops positioned in the Quadrangle of the Castle, which boasts views of the Long Walk down Windsor Great Park. At the centre of the parade will be the silver kettle drums with the new Union Standards placed upon them. The Sovereign’s Standards will be marched on parade.
The King is attending as Colonel-in-Chief of the Household Cavalry, while Anne is Colonel of The Blues and Royals.
Upon arrival, the King was received by a Royal Salute and the playing of the National Anthem, before the royal siblings inspected the parade.
The new standards will be presented to Charles before being handed to the Commanding Officers.
The King will conclude the ceremony by giving a speech before a Royal Fanfare and a parade march past.
The new standards are made from silk damask with gold and silver embroidery. They will be used more routinely by the regiments wherever they are based as opposed to the Sovereign’s Standards, which are used on all Royal duties and processions of State.
