A Speech by His Majesty The King at the presentation of the new Sovereign’s Standard to The Blues and Royals at Buckingham Palace

Ladies and gentlemen, it is a matter of great pride to be here with you today to present your New Standard which, in itself, represents that personal bond between The Blues and Royals and the Sovereign that has lasted since before the Restoration in 1661.

Your Standard, once the physical rallying point for your forebears, is the golden thread which connects you to your illustrious past.

The battle honours displayed upon it, along with your uniforms and medals that are so visible in your ceremonial role are a further demonstration of your proven track record as battle-hardened mounted and dismounted soldiers with recent operational experience.

Indeed, I know that some of you are currently deployed on duty with the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus. Such history pays homage to your dual role, and that of course is the fundamental principle which makes State Ceremonial and Public Duties so special and credible to a most grateful nation.

In these difficult times for our country, as we continue to face an array of threats in many different forms, both domestically and internationally, it is all the more important to preserve such standards of excellence and achievement.

As your Colonel-in-Chief, I know that your Colonel, The Princess Royal, joins me in thanking you all for your unlimited commitment and service, as well as your families for their tremendous and unwavering support, some of whom I am delighted to see are able to join us today.

I commend this Standard to your safe-keeping as a source of pride and inspiration to all of you - wherever you may be - in the service of your country.