THE DUKE OF YORK APPOINTED AS COLONEL OF THE GRENADIER GUARDS
The Queen has been pleased to give her formal approval to the appointment of His Royal Highness The Duke of York as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards.
HRH The Duke of York will take over the appointment from HRH The Duke of Edinburgh.
HRH The Duke of Edinburgh has been Colonel of the Grenadier Guards since 1975.
The Grenadier Guards who were formed in Flanders in 1656 by King Charles II as His “Royal Regiment of Foot Guards”, has fought in almost every major campaign of the British Army. They later became known as the First Regiment of Foot Guards, and now bear the title The First or Grenadier Regiment of Foot Guards in honour of their defeat of the Grenadiers of the French Imperial Guard at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. The bearskin caps seen on ceremonial duty are worn in recognition of that victory.
The Grenadier Guards boast 78 Battle Honours having served with distinction in campaigns throughout British history, particularly in the Napoleonic, Crimean, Boer, First and Second World Wars, winning a total of 14 Victoria Crosses and one George Cross. In the 21st Century they continue to serve their country with distinction and were one of the final units involved in ground combat in Afghanistan. A formidable force of hard and soft power the British Army’s Grenadier Guards are admired and recognised around the world.
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