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

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

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!

Scotland has played such a very special part in our lives, and that of my family, over the years and we have greatly enjoyed our frequent visits.

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

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.

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...

Now, in its second decade, the Scottish Parliament is firmly established as an integral part of Scottish public life.

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

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...

I have been struck by the spirit of engagement and innovation shown by the Members as you seek to fulfil your commitment to serve the people of Scotland.

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

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

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

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

I hand over my Colour with confidence that you will guard it well, just as you continue to guard your heritage, ethos and unique contribution to Defence.

As a nation we maintain a deep and enduring gratitude for the selfless work undertaken by our Armed Forces, and to their families who endure so much.

My best wishes to you all, and 'Fear Naught'.

My grandfather, father, husband and two sons have all undergone training here, and I have had many visits over the years.

I am entrusting these new colours, which chronicle so much of the Regiment's history, to your safekeeping.

The Canadian Corps transformed Vimy Ridge from a symbol of despair into a source of inspiration.

I know that the renewal of this famous and much-cherished landmark has been a long-held aspiration.

Your contribution to peace and stability within Northern Ireland has been unique.

You are a shining illustration of the history of the British Army and of this great institution.

In a Regiment with such a rich family tradition it must give considerable cause for pride and satisfaction that the present generation of Welsh Guardsmen loses nothing in...

This day marks the beginning of what I hope will be highly successful careers as officers in the British Army or the armies of our friends and allies.

I have vivid and happy memories of my visit to Brazil with Prince Philip in 1968, especially the warmth and hospitality of the Brazilian people.

We both retain a deep affection for your country and the outgoing, generous Maltese people who have always offered us the hand of friendship.

I remember the bonfires along the coastline as we arrived and the enthusiastic welcome we received as guests of your grandfather, King Haakon.

Success at Trafalgar was by no means a foregone conclusion.

The Bank was granted its Royal Charter 278 years ago and even a prudent bank needs to build a new headquarters once in a while.

An act of remembrance is an act of honour.

Prince Philip and I are happy to be in Guernsey on this sixtieth anniversary of liberation and to have joined in the Service of Thanksgiving

I am pleased that so many people are present today for whom the 9th of May has such a personal significance.

I was struck by the spirit of the Korean people, and their determination to overcome adversity

We meet in a remarkably open and transparent chamber, where this Parliament sits in the round in European fashion.

I take it upon myself to express the immense debt of gratitude we owe to you all. I salute you, and thank you on behalf of our whole nation.

The sixtieth anniversary of the Normandy Landings is a moment for thanksgiving, and a moment of commemoration.

We share the confidence - and the courage - to try and make this a more prosperous, a safer, and above all a freer world.

Twice within the span of a single generation, Australia and Britain stood side by side in two of the bloodiest wars in human history.