President Zelensky of Ukraine visited His Majesty The King at Windsor Castle today and was greeted by a spectacular Grenadier Guards Guard of Honour.
President Zelensky standing next to His Majesty The King after inspecting the Guard of Honour.
The Band of the Grenadier Guards playing the national anthem of Ukraine.
The State Colour of the Grenadier Guards on parade.
The Grenadier Guards march past President Zelensky and His Majesty The King.
Visits of this nature play an integral role in strengthening Britain's relationships with countries across the world but this one had defence and multinational partnerships at its heart.
Diplomatic finesse
President Zelensky arrived in Windsor to music from the Band of the Grenadier Guards who were formed up in the Quadrangle of Windsor Castle.
As he took his place beside The King, the national anthem of Ukraine was played in his honour, and the impressive State Colour of the Grenadier Guards was dipped in salute.
In a moment of great respect The Captain of the Guard of Honour, Major Benedict Tracey of the King’s Company, Grenadier Guards, approached President Zelensky and asked him, in flawless Ukrainian, if he would like to inspect the Guard. It was a moment of diplomatic finesse that did not go unnoticed and was warmly received by the President.
The President was accompanied as he did so by His Majesty The King and the band played stirring military music.
Proud and determined
The Grenadier Guards date back to the 17th century and are one of the oldest and most operationally experienced regiments in the British Army. These dual role soldiers, as impressive on ceremonial duties as they are feared in their warfighting role stood today proud and determined.
The Grenadier Guards’ iconic scarlet tunics and white plumed bearskin caps contrasted vividly against the green grass at the heart of the Medieval Castle. Meanwhile, a hundred miles away in the depths of the UK countryside, other Household Division soldiers, the Irish Guards, were training Ukrainian soldiers.
Tangible support
The Guards are part of a multinational force that is currently training the newest cohort of Ukrainian recruits the operational warfighting skills they need to defend their homeland from invading Russian forces. To date more than 60,000 Ukrainians have been trained on UK soil.
Following the ceremonial Inspection in Windsor, the immaculate soldiers in the Guard of Honour marched past The King and The Ukrainian President, then marched out of the Quadrangle via King George IV Gate and returned to Barracks.
The King and President then went inside the castle through the Sovereign’s Entrance for talks.
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