A speech by The Queen to the Coldstream Guards, 2012

Published

You are worthy successors to those soldiers of General Monck’s Regiment of Foot, who, in 1660, marched from Coldstream to restore law and order in the Capital.

Brigadier Bibby, Officers, Warrant Officers, Non-Commissioned Officers and Guardsmen of the 1st Battalion and Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards:

Thirteen years have passed since I presented you with the Colours which have just been marched off. Since then, there have been many changes in your ranks, but the spirit of the Regiment has remained intact through all the challenges and dangers which you have been required to face.

Pre-eminent in ceremonial duties, like the other members of the Household Division Family, the Coldstream Guards have demonstrated both in Iraq and Afghanistan that they remain always ready and able to function as a first class fighting unit. In addition, individuals have played their part when seconded for operational duties in other parts of the world.

I know that in the future your activities will continue to enhance the reputation which the Coldstream have so justly achieved. You are worthy successors to those soldiers of General Monck’s Regiment of Foot, who, in 1660, marched from Coldstream to restore law and order in the Capital, thereby enabling the Restoration of The Monarchy.

As your Colonel-in-Chief, I am delighted to be here today to pass these new Colours into your safekeeping, in the full knowledge that you will guard and honour them, and remain loyal to them and to your Country.

Related content

A message from Her Majesty The Queen on the 75th anniversary of VJ day

May the memory of their sacrifice and bravery remain with us always.

15 August 2020
Feature

Remembrance 2019

Members of the Royal Family remember the war dead.
Feature

The 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings

Members of the Royal Family will remember the sacrifices made during the Allied landings
The King and Queen with President and Madame Macron

The Queen's speech at the commissioning ceremony of HMS Queen Elizabeth

HMS Queen Elizabeth embodies the best of British technology and innovation – a true flagship for the 21st century

11 December 2017

Prince Harry delivers a message from The Queen at RAF Honnington

The presentation of Colours is an opportunity to recognise historic achievements and to look forward to the future with confidence; a confidence built upon the dedication of...

19 July 2017

The Queen addresses The Royal Lancers at Windsor Castle

You have established yourselves as a unified Regiment and a force without match

05 April 2017
Press release 20 December 2016

The Queen's Patronages

Read more
Feature

Remembrance 2016

The Queen and the Royal Family attend engagements to mark Remembrance 2016

The Queen's Response to the Chief Engineer, on the Corps of Royal Engineers 300th anniversary

I would wish all Sappers, wherever they may be, every success and good fortune in the future

13 October 2016

A speech by The Queen at the Royal Artillery Tercentenary Parade on 26th May, 2016

The Royal Regiment of Artillery has since 1716 proudly served the Nation all over the World and I wish all Gunners every success and good fortune in the future

26 May 2016
Press release 18 July 2015

Events to mark the anniversary of VJ Day

Read more
Press release 06 March 2015

Gallipoli Centenary Commemorations

Read more
Press release 01 February 2015

Royal family attendance at Afghanistan service

Read more

A speech by The Queen to the Welsh Guards

No hundredth birthday greeting will give greater pleasure to deliver than the one I give to you, along with these New Colours today.

13 January 2015

A speech by The Queen at Rosyth Dockyard

I name this ship QUEEN ELIZABETH. May God bless her and all who sail in her.

04 July 2014
Press release 01 April 2014

WW1 Centenary Commemorations

Read more

A speech by The Queen at the Grenadier Guards Garden Party

The Regimental Association is the very embodiment of the Regimental Family and I trust that it will thrive equally well over the next century too!

26 June 2013

A speech by The Queen at the Armed Forces Muster, 2012

We are very proud of the selfless service, and sacrifices made by servicemen and women and their families in recent years.

19 May 2012

A speech by The Queen at the Presentation of Colours, Royal Military College of Australia

The presentation of Colours is a special opportunity to recognise the past achievements, to give thanks for commitment and loyalty today, and to express confidence in the...

22 October 2011

A speech by The Queen to the Royal Regiment of Scotland, 2011

A fresh chapter has now opened with this presentation of new Colours to six of the seven battalions of The Royal Regiment of Scotland.

02 July 2011
Press release 10 February 2011

Prince William appointed as Colonel of the Irish Guards

Read more
Press release 26 June 2010

The Queen's Armed Forces Day message

Read more

A speech by The Queen to 1st Battalion, Grenadier Guards, 2010

The Colours, that I am presenting to you this morning, represent the spirit of the Regiment, past and present.

11 May 2010

The Queen's broadcast to the Armed Forces, 1 July 2009

I greatly hope that the Elizabeth Cross will give further meaning to the nation’s debt of gratitude to the families and loved ones of those who have died in the service of our...

01 July 2009

A speech by The Queen on the 500th anniversary of Gentlemen at Arms

Your service to the Crown continues in a distinctive way and reinforces the very best values of those who came before you.

01 July 2009
Press release 27 June 2009

Armed Forces Day message

Read more

A speech by The Queen at RAF Cranwell, 2009

You can be justly proud of your achievements, as – I am sure – are your families and friends.

28 May 2009

A speech by The Queen to the 1st Battalion Irish Guards, 2009

You have the greatest cause to be proud of your achievements.

06 May 2009

A speech by The Queen at the '1914-1918 Vigil' at Canada House

Among the millions who lost their lives in the Great War were many Canadians who came to Europe to fight for peace.

04 November 2008