The role of Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles is transferred from The Duke of Edinburgh to The Duchess of Cornwall
Published
During a ceremony which took place at both Windsor Castle and Highgrove House today, The Duke of Edinburgh was succeeded as Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles by his daughter-in-law, The Duchess of Cornwall.
Their Royal Highnesses were present for the events, which took place in short succession.
The Rifles Regiment was formed in 2007 through the merger of four Regiments.
At Windsor Castle, Major General Tom Copinger-Symes of The Rifles offered The Duke of Edinburgh the salute and thanked His Royal Highness for his 67 years of support and service to The Rifles and the Regiments that came before them.
Consequently at Highgrove House, four Buglers sounded The Rifles Assembly, marking the transfer of Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles from The Duke of Edinburgh to The Duchess of Cornwall. Colonel Commandant of The Rifles, General Sir Patrick Sanders, welcomed The Duchess as the new Colonel-in-Chief.
Related content
A Speech by The Queen at a Literary Reception to mark the fifth anniversary of Her Majesty's Reading Room
I find it hard to believe that it is five years since I founded it, at the height of lockdown, with the simple aim of sharing my lifelong conviction that books make life...
The Queen's speech at a WOW reception to mark International Women's Day
Every woman has a story. And these stories must be told. Because when we live in a culture of silence, we empower violence against women and girls.
The Queen hears about Avon and Somerset Police's approach to tackling domestic abuse
12 February 2026
Announcement of a State Visit by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria
Speech delivered by The Queen during a visit to Maggie’s Cheltenham, to celebrate the charity’s 30th anniversary
I should like to end by expressing my heartfelt thanks to the whole Maggie’s community. To Maggie’s children, Lily and John, who have done so much to continue their mother’s...
A message from The Queen to mark the 5th anniversary of The Queen's Reading Room
Reading truly changes how we perceive, how we think and how we connect.
State Visit by The President of The Federal Republic of Germany and Ms. Büdenbender
03 December 2025
The Queen hosts a reception for winners of The Queen’s Commonwealth Essay Competition
20 November 2025
Further details of The King and Queen's State Visit to the Holy See
State Visit by The President of the Federal Republic of Germany and Frau Büdenbender
Their Majesties The King and Queen undertake a State Visit to the Holy See
Remarks by Her Majesty The Queen, Sponsor of HMS Astute, at a ceremony to mark the end of the submarine’s first commission, HMNB Devonport
Each time I have met your Commanding Officers and visited the submarine, I am reminded of the exceptional servicemen and women in our Royal Navy. Commanding Officers, the Ship...