A speech by HRH The Prince of Wales as Colonel of the Welsh Guards, Clarence House, London

I find it hard to believe that it has been some seventeen years since I reviewed my Company and let alone that I have been your Colonel for some 33 years, and it therefore gives me enormous pride and considerable pleasure to do so again and especially here at Clarence House today.

During those intervening years I know that the Company have served with distinction in a variety of different operational theatres, not least in Northern Ireland, Angola, the Balkans and Iraq, with some members most recently returning from Afghanistan.

The period since my last Review is testimony to how the Army has continued to respond magnificently to the significant challenges that are constantly thrown at it; not least in the now well-established cycle of deployment to conflict zones.

As Colonel, I have watched with great satisfaction how well you have demonstrated your professionalism and distinctive style both on these operations and at home.

As ever-increasing demands are made of our servicemen and servicewomen, it is heart-warming to see the Company in such good shape and I am also particularly pleased to see so many former members of the Company present here today. Having conducted this Review, I have every confidence that, once again, you will excel in your role as Escort to the Colour on Her Majesty’s Birthday Parade next month.

I also have no doubt whatsoever that, in the finest traditions of all the Regiments of Footguards, you will rise to the challenge of exchanging tunics for combats as you prepare with the rest of the Battalion to go to Afghanistan and continue to contribute to the “Jam Boys” reputation as the leading Company.

I am constantly reminded how privileged I am to be your Colonel and I have confidence and the greatest faith that whatever the Army has in store for you in the future, and wherever the Battalion is sent, you will continue to live up to your motto: “Y Ddraig Goch Ddyry Cychwyn.”