After 50 years, the Duke of Kent, 88, is retiring from his position as Colonel of the Scots Guard with Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh, taking over the role.
The Regiment paid tribute to the Duke of Kent, referring to him as “a constant in a rapidly changing world”.
Meanwhile, the Duke of Kent reflected on his time as Colonel: “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.”
The Duke of Kent will be handing over the position to the Duke of Edinburgh, where Prince Edward will continue the work of the Colonelcy of the Regiment.
The Duke of Kent attended the Scots Guard annual day of commemoration and remembrance in London on Sunday, which marked his last day as Colonel.
At the event, His Royal Highness said: “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.”
In his new position, Prince Edward will continue supporting the work of the Scots Guards and will visit the Regiment regularly.
As the new Colonel of the Scots Guards, the Duke of Edinburgh said: “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.”
Formed in 1642, The Scots Guards have played key roles in major conflicts from the Glorious Revolution of 1688, the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, the First and Second World Wars, the Falklands War and undertaken deployments to Northern Ireland, Afghanistan and Iran in more recent years.
The Regimental Lieutenant Colonel of the Scots Guard, Colonel JDL Leask, spoke about the passing over of the position into the hands of Prince Edward.
“The Regiment is delighted that His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh will shortly become the twenty-seventh Colonel Scots Guards,” he said.
“This is a seminal moment for us. It marks the end of a remarkable era and the start of a new and exciting chapter in our long and distinguished history.”
