The Duke of Edinburgh has made a rare public appearance to carry out a unique ceremony – handing over a military role to the Duchess of Cornwall.
For almost 70 decades Philip has been closely associated with The Rifles and its earlier regiments, acting as Colonel-in-Chief of the infantry unit.
She accepted the honour during the second half of the ceremony.
At Windsor Castle, four buglers from the Band and Bugles of The Rifles were standing to attention when the duke – who served as a Royal Navy officer during the Second World War – arrived on the steps of the Equerries’ Entrance.
The duke had been Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles since its formation in 2007, but his connection stretches back further, as he has served in the same role since 1953 with successive regiments which now make up The Rifles.
Philip was last seen at a big event when he was a guest at Lady Gabriella Windsor’s wedding in May 2019.
