King Charles III is giving several military awards to members of his family, including Princess Kate, the Princess of Wales, ahead of the King’s birthday parade.
Charles, who will be the Colonel-in-Chief of the Regiments of the Household Division, has made Kate the Colonel of the Irish Guards, according to an announcement made by Buckingham Palace.
The Guards Division includes the Irish Guards, one of the British Army’s Foot Guards regiments. They were established in April 1900 on Queen Victoria’s instruction to pay tribute to Irishmen who fought for the British Empire in the Second Boer War.
Her husband, Prince William, once held the title, which is now held by him as Colonel of the Welsh Guards. Since joining the royal family, Kate has paid tribute to the Irish Guards on previous holidays.
William would check on his regiment on behalf of his late grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, when he was the Colonel of the Irish Guards. He assumed command of a military rehearsal known as the Colonel’s Review prior to this year’s Trooping of the Color.
Additionally, he was tasked with reviewing the parade and evaluating the troops ahead of time.
Camilla, the Queen Consort, Charles’s wife, will become the Colonel, Grenadier Guards.
Although Charles turns one in November, the King’s parade, which will take place on June 17, 2023, is a custom that has marked the British Sovereign’s official birthday for more than 260 years.
The first Trooping of the Colour without Queen Elizabeth will take place in 2023, marking Charles’ first as sovereign.