Montréal, QC — His Royal Highness (HRH) the Prince of Wales, Colonel-in-Chief of The Black Watch (the Royal Highland Regiment) of Canada, honoured past and present members of the unit by attending the regimental changing of the colours November 10.
Major Christopher Phares lays the new regimental colours of The Black Watch on drums for consecration.
“For my wife and I, it is a great pleasure to be among you this evening,” began Prince Charles, “not just because the new flag is so important to the regiment, but also because we are eager to meet you, the members of the regiment and those who are close to you.”
“She [Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother] spoke often and very fondly of your fine regiment,” he said of the long relationship between The Black Watch and the monarchy. “You can perhaps imagine my immense pride in being asked to follow in her footsteps.”
The Black Watch band sets the scene
The parade began with the Pipes and Drums of The Black Watch, setting the scene for the marching off of the unit’s previous colours and the arrival of the prince. Following an inspection of the more than 120 troops on parade, His Royal Highness watched as the Chaplain General performed a short service blessing the new colours.
The Black Watch parades in front of HRH Prince Charles during its changing of the colours ceremony.
Major Christopher Phare, the Deputy Commanding Officer of The Black Watch spoke briefly, expressing his appreciation of the royal visit.
“The whole Regiment is really excited about it,” he said before the ceremony, “Queen Elizabeth was the last Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment. She visited us twice before (…) we are truly honoured.”
Master Corporal Robert Noiseux, a member of The Black Watch, agreed. “I feel very honoured to be part of this Regiment on this very day.”
Informal meet and greet
HRH Prince Charles signs the guest book in The Black Watch officer mess, accompanied by the Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla Parker Bowles.
Following the parade, Prince Charles spent a few moments in the officer’s mess before posing for a group photo with the officers and senior non-commissioned officers of the regiment. After the photo, HRH and his wife, the Duchess of Cornwall, took the opportunity of the reception to meet and speak with all present in a less formal setting.
Article and photos by Cpl Jasper Schwartz, Army News, Montréal
