CE052
King & Country
Prince William is the grandson of HM Queen Elizabeth and the eldest son of Prince Charles and the late Diana, Princess of Wales. In 2011 he was appointed Honorary Colonel of The Irish Guards and since that date has taken part in many ‘Trooping The Colour’ parades.
This new K&C mounted figure shows him saluting to the right.
This ceremony has been performed by army regiments of the British and Commonwealth nations since the mid 17th Century.
In olden times, on the battlefield, a regiment’s ‘colours’ or flags, were used as rallying points before the age of electronics and field radios.
Regiments back then would have their ensigns (junior officers) carry their ‘colours’ slowly through the assembled rank and file to enable the soldiers to recognize their own regimental flags during the battle.
Beginning in 1750, ‘Trooping The Colour’ has also in Britain, signified the Sovereign’s official birthday. Each year, ever since, a huge military ceremony is usually held on the second Saturday in June on Horse Guards Parade in London.