King Charles has wished soldiers from the Grenadier Guards “great success” ahead of this weekend’s Trooping the Colour ceremony and quipped “no drinking tonight”. The monarch praised the guardsmen in his role as the regiment’s Colonel-in-Chief during a visit to his King’s Company at Lille Barracks in Aldershot.
King’s Visit to the Grenadier Guards
Charles told the guardsmen and officers that they would “make us very proud of you”. Thousands of spectators are expected to gather on Horse Guards Parade on Saturday to watch the royal family celebrate the King’s official birthday. The colour being trooped this year is the King’s Colour of the Grenadier Guards, presented by Charles earlier this week at Buckingham Palace. It will be escorted by guardsmen from The King’s Company.
Defence Secretary and Other Dignitaries
Defence Secretary Dan Jarvis is expected to be among the spectators, along with other senior Cabinet members including the Prime Minister. This follows the resignation of John Healey on Thursday over a dispute about long-term military funding.
Charles’ Speech and Jokes
In an impromptu speech after promoting three guardsmen to Lance Corporals, Charles said: “I know just how much effort goes into the parade you do tomorrow. Since Easter you’ve been practising rigidly and I can hear from Buckingham Palace the sound of the drums thumping away regularly.” The Grenadier Guards have a close connection with the monarchy, having been raised in 1656 in Bruges, Belgium, by the exiled King Charles II to protect him during Oliver Cromwell’s rule.
Charles continued: “Ever since the last 370 years of your existence you have made us all in this country so incredibly proud of your effort, your service and your sacrifice.” The King’s Company will carry the King’s coffin on his death, and Charles provoked sympathetic laughter when he joked about his own demise: “At least, I know you’ll be there when I finally shuffle off this mortal coil.” He also chatted with guardsmen about their ceremonial duties, overseas deployments, and drone training. There was a lighter moment when the King made one group laugh with his “no drinking tonight” joke after praising their preparations.
