Prince of Wales visits Colchester for special ceremony
Prince Charles has presented new Colours to the Parachute Regiment
The Prince of Wales has been in Colchester today (13 July), attending a ceremony to present new Colours - also known as military ceremonial flags - to the Parachute Regiment.
Prince Charles, Colonel in Chief of the Parachute Regiment, attended Merville Barracks for the occasion.
The last time Colours were presented to the Regiment was in 1998.
This month also marks the 50th anniversary of HRH’s first parachute jump.
There was a socially distanced parade, and special dispensation had to be granted to allow 500 guests to attend in family bubbles, with testing before the event for all.
The Prince was accompanied at the ceremony by the Parachute Regiment’s Colonel Commandant, Lieutenant General Sir John Lorimer.
At the start of the ceremony, the Old Colours were marched off parade, as the band of the Parachute Regiment played Auld Lang Syne.
Seven Parachute Regiment Royal Horse Artillery Guns fired a salute for the arrival of Prince Charles and the National Anthem was played.
His Royal Highness inspected the front rank of the parade, and spoke to the paratroopers representing the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th Battalions of the Parachute Regiment.
The Prince then carried out the formal presentation of the new Regimental Colours, which were blessed and he laid his hand on each as they were handed to the battalions.
A flypast took place over the parade square, and the Red Devils Parachute Display Team dropped smoke and parachuted into the square.
After today’s parade and displays, His Royal Highness joined a socially distanced reception outside to meet veterans, serving officers and soldiers with their families.