ROYAL IRISH RECEIVE COLOURS IN FIRST EVENT OF ITS KIND IN BELFAST

Thousands turned out at Titanic Slipways to watch the first public presentation of military colours to the Royal Irish Regiment to take place in Northern Ireland.

The Duke of York, Colonel in Chief of the Regiment, described its history as “proud and honourable” as he presented the new colours to the 1st and 2nd battalions.

Colours are presented to regiments every 25 years, and represent both their history and their future. The new colours were consecrated by the Chaplain General to Her Majesty’s Land Forces, the Reverend David Coulter, before being presented and paraded through the ranks in Belfast during the ceremony.

The Duke of York then gave a short address to the regiment and spectators.

“Today, I would like to wish every single member of this fantastic regiment every good fortune as they clear the way for so much that is important not only to Her Majesty but also to the United Kingdom,” he said.

“I wish you every continued success as you go about your duties and I now charge you to protect and follow the colours as they are intended.”

The prince concluded by saying the Royal Irish motto, Faugh a Ballagh, which means “clear the way”.