Hero tipped to take Prince’s role at Jubilee
A FORMER Colonel of the Grenadier Guards may come out of retirement to replace Prince Andrew and lead Trooping the Colour as a key part of this year’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
The Mail on Sunday understands that Lieutenant General Sir George Norton is favourite to replace the Duke of York who was last week stripped of all his military titles.
‘The planning is that George Norton will come in for the short term,’ said a military source. ‘With limited time before the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Weekend, which begins with Trooping the Colour on June 2, the role requires someone of stature and experience.’
In a long and distinguished career, Sir George, 59, served four times in Northern Ireland and was awarded the MBE for operational service in Bosnia. He subsequently became Commanding Officer of the prestigious Grenadiers before serving three times in Afghanistan, receiving the US Meritorious Honor Award and a Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service.
But it is his familiarity with Trooping the Colour and ceremonial procedure which are now highly prized. Appointed Major General Commanding the Household Division in 2011, he had a key role in the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee the following year. Sir George retired from the Army in 2019 to become Commandant of the Royal College of Defence Studies.
Now he could take centre stage at the Jubilee, alongside the Prince of Wales, Colonel of the Welsh Guards; Prince William, Colonel of the Irish Guards; Princess Anne, Colonel of the Blues and Royals; and the Duke of Kent, Colonel of the Scots Guards.
Sir George’s role is likely to last only for the Jubilee. ‘At some point in the not-too distant future, another Royal will be appointed Colonel of the Grenadiers and is likely to be either the Duchess of Cambridge or Prince Edward or his wife, Sophie,’ the source said.