A Speech by His Majesty The King at the Presentation of new Standards and Colours at Buckingham Palace

Ladies and gentlemen, it is the greatest possible privilege to be able to present a new Standard and Colours to you today in a unique Tri-Service event in preparation for our Coronation. It is some eighty-five years since a King’s Colour has been presented and, on such a special occasion, I particularly wanted to express my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you, as representatives from the three Services, for your loyal service over the course of her remarkable reign, to The late Queen who, I know, held you all in such high regard.

Throughout centuries of distinguished service, to this nation and to the Crown, your predecessors – and now you yourselves – have defended these and other shores.  Through your diligence, professionalism and courage you have kept our people safe.  No task confronting you is too challenging or dangerous.  Your loyalty and devotion to the Service you represent and to your Colours are the hallmark of the gallantry and selflessness you display on our behalf.  The intense pride I feel in all you represent and stand for is second to none and, as your Sovereign, I can only assure you of my profound gratitude.

Our sailors, soldiers, airmen and women continue to be drawn from practically every city, town and village across the four nations of the United Kingdom, thus forming the backbone of our Armed Forces.  Throughout countless generations, exceptionally talented men and women have emerged to provide inspired leadership, motivation and the collective memory of our fighting Services.  And whilst the demands on our servicemen and women remain relentless and commitments multifarious, you continue to maintain a high-class reputation and set the standard globally within the profession of arms.  Whilst I appreciate this comes at some cost to you, but more so your loved ones, it is this high regard in which you are held that is such an incomparable asset to this country. 

Having trained, and served, in both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force, and making some close affiliations over the course of the last forty-seven years as Colonel-in-Chief of multiple Regiments within the British Army, my wife joins me in thanking you for your continued service and commitment, and your families, for their tremendous, unwavering support.  We very much look forward to seeing these Colours carried on parade in nine days’ time on the occasion of our Coronation.