A speech by The Queen to the Royal Tank Regiment, 2008
Published
My best wishes to you all, and 'Fear Naught'.
Colonels Commandant, Officers and All Ranks of the Royal Tank Regiment:
As your Colonel-in-Chief, I am delighted to be presenting new Standards to you this afternoon. On a similar occasion in 1960, when an earlier generation, some of whom are watching today, paraded in this Garden, I spoke of how the Royal Tank Regiment had been at the forefront of the development of armoured warfare. There have of course been changes in the many years since: the Regiment has operated with great success in a wider range of roles than might have been imagined then; and, when Standards were last presented to you at Sennelager in 1985, there were still four Regiments.
The two remaining Regiments are motivated by the same esprit de corps and professional reputation for which the Royal Tank Regiment has been known throughout its history. I may say that those qualities are clearly evident in each and every one of you on parade today. They are also attributes which are instantly recognisable to your Regimental family, so strongly represented here.
In recent years the Royal Tank Regiment has seen operational service in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and Afghanistan. These considerable achievements are a source of enormous pride but, inevitably, do not come without cost. Families and loved ones play an essential part in supporting these operations but also carry a difficult burden. To them, as your Colonel-in-Chief, I should like to pay a special tribute.
I congratulate you all on your distinguished service and for your bearing and smartness on parade today.
My best wishes to you all, and 'Fear Naught'.
Related content
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.
A speech by The Queen at the Presentation of new Colours to the RAF
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.
A speech by The Queen to The Duke of Lancaster's Regiment, 2008
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.
A speech by The Queen at the Royal Naval College, Dartmouth
My grandfather, father, husband and two sons have all undergone training here, and I have had many visits over the years.
A speech by The Queen to the Honourable Artillery Company, 2007
I am entrusting these new colours, which chronicle so much of the Regiment's history, to your safekeeping.
A speech by The Queen at the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Vimy Ridge
The Canadian Corps transformed Vimy Ridge from a symbol of despair into a source of inspiration.
A speech by The Queen to the Royal Irish Regiment, Northern Ireland, 2006
Your contribution to peace and stability within Northern Ireland has been unique.
A speech by The Queen at the Royal Hospital Chelsea's Founder's Day Parade, 2006
You are a shining illustration of the history of the British Army and of this great institution.
Presentation of Colours to the 1st Battalion Welsh Guards, 4 May 2006
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...
Sovereign's Parade, Royal Military Academy Sandhurst, 12 April 2006
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.
State Visit, President Luiz InĂ¡cio Lula da Silva of Brazil, 7 March 2006
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.
State banquet in Malta, 23 November 2005
We both retain a deep affection for your country and the outgoing, generous Maltese people who have always offered us the hand of friendship.
Norway State Banquet, 25 October 2005
I remember the bonfires along the coastline as we arrived and the enthusiastic welcome we received as guests of your grandfather, King Haakon.
Dinner in HMS Victory, 200th anniversary of Trafalgar, 21 October 2005
Success at Trafalgar was by no means a foregone conclusion.
World War II commemorative event, Horse Guards Parade, 10 July 2005
An act of remembrance is an act of honour.
Marking 60th anniversary of the end of World War II in Guernsey, 9 May 2005
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
Visit to Jersey to mark the 60th anniversary of Liberation, 9 May 2005
I am pleased that so many people are present today for whom the 9th of May has such a personal significance.
State Banquet, President of the Republic of Korea, 1 December 2004
I was struck by the spirit of the Korean people, and their determination to overcome adversity
60th anniversary D-Day commemoration in Arromanches, 6 June 2004
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.
Official commemoration of the 60th anniversary of D-Day in France, 6 June 2004
The sixtieth anniversary of the Normandy Landings is a moment for thanksgiving, and a moment of commemoration.
State Banquet, President of the United States of America, 19 November 2003
We share the confidence - and the courage - to try and make this a more prosperous, a safer, and above all a freer world.
Opening of the new Australian War Memorial, London, 11 November 2003
Twice within the span of a single generation, Australia and Britain stood side by side in two of the bloodiest wars in human history.
Opening of the exhibition 'Women and War', Imperial War Museum, 14 October 2003
Over the two World Wars and in the many conflicts since then, women in Britain and throughout the Commonwealth have faced and overcome all manner of challenges.
Presentation of new colours to the Fleet in Plymouth, 23 July 2003
I hope this Colour will be a symbol of the Fleet's enduring spirit and devotion to duty in times of stress and danger
Presentation of new standards to the Household Cavalry, 21 May 2003
We as a nation are intensely proud of our armed forces and never more so than in recent weeks.
Ceremony for the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders of Canada, 10 October 2002
I am happy to be in Hamilton today in order to present new Colours and to visit my Canadian Argylls.
Tri-Service gathering of the Armed Forces at Portsmouth, 27 June 2002
Britain is grateful to you, whether here in Portsmouth, in bases across the United Kingdom, or across the world.