Overview of the Irish Guards at Windsor Castle
The Irish Guards are one of the five infantry regiments of the Household Division, responsible for guarding the Sovereign and participating in ceremonial events. Windsor Castle, one of the three official residences of the British monarch, is a key location where the Irish Guards perform their duties.
Changing the Guard at Windsor Castle
The Changing the Guard ceremony at Windsor Castle is a highly anticipated event for visitors. Here are the key details about this ceremony:
Schedule
- The Changing the Guard ceremony takes place on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays at 11:00am, weather permitting.
- There is no ceremony on Sundays.
Location
- The ceremony occurs inside the Castle precincts, requiring visitors to purchase a Castle ticket to watch.
Procedure
- The new Guard arrives led by a Regimental Band, Corps of Drums, or occasionally a Pipe Band.
- The handover of duties includes the changeover of sentries, and the old Guard returns to Victoria Barracks in Windsor town.
Presentation of New Colours to the Irish Guards
The presentation of New Colours to the Irish Guards is a significant event that symbolizes the regiment’s legacy and the sacrifices of those who have served.
Significance
- The New Colours presented to the Irish Guards represent the regiment’s history and the memory of those who have fought and died for the Regiment.
- The Colours are consecrated in a ceremony of prayers and blessings before being presented to junior officers.
Presentation
- In June 2024, the King, as Colonel-in-Chief of the Household Division, presented the New Colours to No. 9 and No. 12 Company of the Irish Guards at Windsor Castle.
- The ceremony included the inspection of guardsmen and officers, the consecration of the Colours, and the King’s address to the parade.
Role of the Irish Guards in Relation to Windsor Castle
The Irish Guards have a crucial role in relation to Windsor Castle, both in terms of ceremonial duties and guarding the Sovereign.
Ceremonial Duties
- The Irish Guards, along with other regiments of the Household Division, are responsible for ceremonial duties at Windsor Castle, including the Changing the Guard ceremony.
Guarding the Sovereign
- The Irish Guards have the privilege of guarding the Sovereign, a duty that has been carried out by the Household Troops since 1660.
Additional Information
Regimental Mascot
- The Irish Guards’ regimental mascot is an Irish wolfhound named Turlough Mor, also known as Seamus.
Colonel of the Regiment
- The Princess of Wales took over the role of Colonel of the Irish Guards from the Prince of Wales in March 2023.
References
- https://www.householddivision.org.uk/guard-at-windsor-castle
- https://www.royal.uk/news-and-activity/2024-06-11/the-king-presents-new-colours-to-no-9-company-and-no-12-company-the
- https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz44yp0lyyeo
- https://www.forces.net/royals/king-presents-new-colours-irish-guards-windsor-castle-ahead-birthday-parade
- https://changing-guard.com/dates-windsor-castle.html