The King presents new Colours to the Coldstream Guards

Coldstream Guards are known as the Sovereign’s bodyguard and can be seen regularly guarding the Royal Palaces in London and Windsor. In the last 18 months, the Coldstream Guards have been deployed on operations in Iraq, supporting the effort to train the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and delivering training in West Africa, the Caribbean and the Middle East.

This event reinforces the Coldstream Guards’ longstanding service to the Crown and provides an opportunity to celebrate the 375th anniversary of the Regiment. 

The Colour is a regiment’s ceremonial flag made of silk damask, with gold thread embroidery and a fringe. It bears battle honours and cyphers. 

The Colours cannot be used in active duty until they have been consecrated. The ceremony of prayers and blessings enabled the new Colours of the Coldstream Guards to be trooped by Number 7 Company at the King’s Birthday Parade tomorrow, on 14th June.

During the parade, The King received a Royal Salute and was invited to inspect the regiment. 

The Chaplain-General consecrated the new Colours, marking their transition from flags to Colours, draped over a makeshift altar created from stacked regimental drums. The drum stack mirrors a tradition in which soldiers would create a sacred space on the battlefield or at their base to hold a service to pray for protection and courage before battle. The new Colours were then presented to The King, who touched them in acknowledgement. 

The new Colours were then marched back to the Guards, who gave three cheers before being marched off parade.