Duke of Kent, 88, attends his final parade as Colonel of Scots Guards
THE Duke of Kent has stepped down as Colonel of the Scots Guards after 50 years and is handing over the role to the Duke of Edinburgh, Buckingham Palace has announced.
Edward, Duke of Kent, who was a cousin of Queen Elizabeth II, paid tribute to the “bravery, selfless courage and devotion to duty” of the Scots Guards ahead of relinquishing his position.
The 88-year-old member of the Royal Family yesterday marked his last day as Colonel by taking part in the Scots Guards Black Sunday events in London, the regiment’s annual day of remembrance for its fallen servicemen and their families.
On handing over the colonelcy, the duke said: “Serving as Colonel of the Scots Guards since 1974, the longest anyone has spent in this role, has been a true honour and one which will forever fill me with great joy.
“Through those years, I have seen the work of the Scots Guards during peacetime and war and witnessed their bravery, selfless courage and devotion to duty.
“To my fellow Scots Guardsmen, I am immensely proud to have served you all. I am delighted that His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh will continue to champion all that you do and work towards preserving your great legacy.”
The Scots Guards are one of the five prestigious Regiments of Foot Guards within the British Army’s
Household Division – alongside the Irish, Welsh, Grenadier and Coldstream Guards – who carry out ceremonial duties like taking part in major state events in support of the monarch.
The Guardsmen are also fighting soldiers who when not guarding the King or participating in Trooping the Colour are deployed on operations or training around the world.
The duke served with the armed forces for more than 21 years, starting his career as a Second Lieutenant with the Royal Scots Greys and retiring in 1976 as a LieutenantColonel.
In 1993, he was promoted to Field Marshal – the highest rank in the British Army.