King Charles presents new Colours to Royal Marines

King Charles presented the 40, 42, 43 and 45 Commando Royal Marines with new Colours at Windsor Castle.

The King is Captain General of the Royal Marines. It is the first time that four Commando units have received new Colours concurrently.

The Colours are ceremonial flags which were traditionally used as rallying points in battle. Today, they are symbols of a unit’s history and achievements. The Colours are made of silk damask, with gold thread embroidery and a fringe. They cannot be used in active duty until they have been consecrated.

After the old Colours were marched off for the final, King Charles, accompanied by the First Sea Lord and Commandant General of the Royal Marines, joined the parade in the Quadrangle. The King received the royal salute, and the national anthem was played. After the salute, King Charles reviewed the Royal Marines.

The Chaplain of the Fleet consecrated the New Colours, marking their transition from flags to Colours. They were then presented to the King, who saluted each Colour. Queen Camilla was present on the dais.

In a speech, the King said, “It is now twenty-five years since my father, His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh, presented New Colours to the Royal Marines, and so it gives me immense pride and pleasure to be able to do so once again today.”

He also addressed the helicopter accident last week. He said, “I would also wish to take this opportunity to acknowledge with the greatest sadness the crash of a Royal Navy helicopter on Wednesday. As a former Junglie pilot with 845 Naval Air Squadron, I was profoundly shocked to hear this most tragic news. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the families, friends and colleagues of those involved. Their service is held in the highest regard, and they remain very much in our prayers.”