Skip to content

King presents Royal Marines with new Colours

News imageRoyal Navy The King with the First Sea Lord and Commandant General Royal Marines, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins walking through Windsor Castle.Royal Navy
News imageRoyal Navy The Royal Marines band marches on to the square, with its bandleader at the front and a line of drummers behind him. Royal Navy
The King was pictured with Gen Sir Gwyn Jenkins (furthest left) ahead of the ceremony
The parade formed up at Victoria Barracks before marching through Windsor to Windsor Castle through the George IV Gate

The King has presented the Royal Marines with new Colours, the ceremonial flags that are powerful symbols of a unit's history, at Windsor Castle.

Bearing the King's Royal cypher, they have been entrusted to four frontline Royal Marine units: 40, 42, 43 and 45 Commando.

Colours have traditionally served as rallying points in battle and they are now powerful symbols of a unit's history, achievement and spirit, the Royal Navy said.

The King's Colours and regimental Colours replace those previously presented by Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in the monarch's role as Captain General.

First Sea Lord and Commandant General of the Royal Marines, Gen Sir Gwyn Jenkins, said the ceremony was a "moment of real historical significance".

"It is a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between the corps, the sovereign, and the country we serve," he said.

"These Colours represent more than tradition; they carry the operational history, sacrifice and spirit of the Royal Marines, from our origins in 1664 through to the modern Commando Force.

"While much has changed since the last presentation in 2001, including the transformation into today's United Kingdom Commando Force, our role at the forefront of national security remains undiminished."

Related internet links