The Duke of Kent, who held the distinguished role of Colonel of the Scots Guards for a remarkable 50 years, is set to step down, Buckingham Palace has announced. He will pass on his duties to Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh.
The Duke of Kent – who is the late Queen Elizabeth II’s cousin, expressed his admiration for the bravery, selfless courage and devotion to duty exhibited by the members of the regiment. He laid out these thoughts while addressing his imminent departure from his role.
The royal, aged 88, will commemorate his departure from this role at the Scots Guards Black Sunday events in London. This annual event serves to remember those servicemen who lost their lives in service, along with their families.
Speaking about his five decades long tenure, 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.”
During his heartfelt address, he added: “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.”
He honoured his fellow Scots Guardsmen, saying: “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, one of the British Army’s Household Division’s esteemed Regiments of Foot Guards, which includes the Irish, Welsh, Grenadier and Coldstream Guards, are renowned for their ceremonial roles, such as participating in grand state occasions to support the monarch.
These elite Guardsmen double as active combat soldiers, engaging in operations or training globally when not performing duties like guarding the King or taking part in the illustrious Trooping the Colour.
With a storied history dating back to 1642, the Scots Guards have been pivotal in significant global conflicts, including the iconic Battle of Waterloo in 1815, both World Wars, the Falklands War, and missions to Northern Ireland, Afghanistan, and Iraq.
The Duke’s military tenure spanned over two decades, commencing as a Second Lieutenant with the Royal Scots Greys and culminating in his retirement in 1976 as a Lieutenant-Colonel. His distinguished service was crowned in 1993 when he ascended to the rank of Field Marshal, the pinnacle of the British Army hierarchy.
This Sunday, he is set to attend a Service of Remembrance at the Guards Chapel within Wellington Barracks alongside Scots Guards members, followed by his final salute as the regiment’s Colonel during a Scots Guards parade.
The Duke of Edinburgh has lauded the Duke of Kent’s contributions, stating: “The Duke of Kent has been an extraordinary Colonel of the Scots Guards. Quite apart from his depth of knowledge and keen understanding of the Regiment and all those who serve, past and present, he has been a tireless and passionate advocate.”
“It is a distinct honour to be asked and entrusted by His Majesty to serve as the next Colonel. However, I accept with a degree of trepidation as I will undoubtedly be measured against the formidable record and reputation of my predecessor. I can only promise to do my best.”
