An address by The King at the Presentation of New Colours to the Coldstream Guards in their 375th year, Windsor Castle

Colonel Till, Officers, Warrant Officers, Senior Non-Commissioned Officers and Guardsmen of the Coldstream Guards. It gives me enormous pride, as your Colonel-in-Chief, to be able to present these new Colours to you today in the presence of the wider Regimental family, and particularly in the year you celebrate your impressive 375th Anniversary. 

Since your formation in 1650, the Regiment has enjoyed a record of service that has been second to none, including that pivotal moment in 1660 when the Regiment set off from Coldstream, on the banks of the River Tweed, to ensure the Restoration of the Monarchy – and so it was that King Charles II signed the warrant for your Colours in 1669. How fortuitous that I now have the honour and privilege of presenting your Colours some 365 years later. 

Over the many wars and countless heroic actions of the Regiment, these Colours, encompassing your richly-deserved battle honours, are a gallant testament to the outstanding courage, fortitude and spirit that the Regiment has always displayed throughout very nearly 400 years of our nation’s history. Each and every one of you on parade today is now part of that great legacy… 

In recent years, the Regiment has continued to serve with immense distinction, including your significant contribution to operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as in supporting security forces across Africa. Meanwhile, at home, you played an indispensable role during the Covid pandemic and have most recently done so much to support both Ukraine, and the United Kingdom’s own security, by training Ukrainian forces to enable them to defend their homeland with the benefit of your unmatched experience. 

I realise all too well that the determination and dedication you show in your service could not be possible without the same commitment from your loved ones. And so, to you, the families, I would like to offer my heartfelt thanks for your tremendous, unwavering support and encouragement. It is fitting that here, today, the entire Coldstream community is brought together. 

As your Colonel-in-Chief, I bestow these Colours into your safe-keeping in the knowledge that you will continue to uphold the very highest standards of military prowess and indomitable spirit that your Regiment has shown over the last 375 years, no matter what lies ahead. 

Lastly, I must say how very much I look forward to seeing the King’s Colour again tomorrow, under the steady hand of the Ensign, Lieutenant Max Martin, as Number Seven Company provides the Escort for Trooping The Colour. 

Nulli Secundus, Coldstreamers.