Royal Visit 2011 Duntroon Part II - Queen arrives

For the fourth time in her long reign, The Queen has presented new colours to the Royal Military College of Australia at Duntroon on Saturday 22 October 2011.

Colonel John Simeoni from the RMC told the media that the colours for a military unit are traditionally a rallying point on the battlefield.

He said that the ceremony would be a poignant one for those who have served under the colours.

"The old colours are marched off the parade ground for the very last time," he said.

"Subsequently they are laid up in a sacred place. In this instance that will be the Anzac Chapel here at the Royal Military College."

More than 5000 spectators gathered around the Duntroon parade ground in Canberra to see the ceremony.

The Queen arrived with the Duke of Edinburgh after the trooping of old colours which were then marched off the parade ground to the Scottish lament, Auld Lang Syne. (See Part I)

After her arrival, Her Majesty inspected the troops after which the new colours were blessed by the clergy. (See Part II)

This was followed by the presentation of the colours by the Queen, who then addressed the soldiers. The commanding officer then responded and the new colours were received. (Part III)

"I entrust these colours to you today in the hope you will guard and honour them,'' the Queen said. "The college has held an esteemed position in the training of Australian officers for war and peace time service over the past 100 years," she told the crowd.
"The dedicated and outstanding service your graduates have provided to the nation is a milestone to be celebrated."

The Commandant of the Royal Military College of Australia, Brigadier David Luhrs, said the colours, which were last presented in 1988, are the symbol of the military unit and bear the battle honours granted in recognition of gallant deeds performed by its members.
"The colours are a treasured College possession, they represent the faith of the Monarchy in an institution that has for one hundred years produced Army officers and leaders who have served Australia on the world stage," Brigadier Luhrs said.
In the final part, Part V, The troops advanced in review order. The soldiers then offer three resounding cheers for The Queen. The Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh then left the Royal Military College Duntroon to a Royal Salute.

This is a moving and significant ceremony as the Royal Military College celebrates its 100th anniversary.

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