Prince Philip passes on Colonel-in-chief role to Duchess of Cornwall
During a rare public appearance this summer, Prince Philip was officially succeeded in his role as colonel-in-chief of the Rifles Regiment by the Duchess of Cornwall. The ceremony brought a new meaning to “socially distanced” as it took place at Windsor Castle and Highgrove house, over 80 miles apart.
His Royal Highness has been colonel-in-chief of the regiment since 1953 and it has since become the largest infantry regiment in the British Army. The Duke of Edinburgh’s arrival was marked by four buglers before the Regiment thanked him for his sixty-seven years of service.
The buglers then sounded the “no more parades” call which marked His Royal Highnesses final ceremony as the regiment’s colonel-in-chief. The 99-year-old retired from public duties in 2017 and is now typically only seen at family functions as he enjoys his retirement.
Meanwhile, the Duchess of Cornwall was greeted by a bugle call at Highgrove house and welcomed as the new Colonel-in-Chief by the regiments Colonel Commandment. The Duchess of Cornwall has been associated with the regiment since 2007 when she became the Royal Colonel of the regiments fourth battalion.
The Duchess of Cornwall has continued supporting her military associations during the pandemic. She has also continued her ceremonial duties during important historical anniversaries such as VJ Day with socially distanced events. xx