On March 1st at Llandaff Cathedral, the classic green and white of pinned leeks was displayed alongside The Royal Welsh hackle, marking St. David’s Day.
Members of the Regular and Reserve forces from the 1st and 3rd Battalions convened in Cardiff, together with veterans and special guests, to honor St David’s Day.
The event also celebrated the 20th anniversary of The Royal Welsh.
In 2006, a celebration in the capital marked the unification of the Royal Welch Fusiliers with the Royal Regiment of Wales, whose historical roots extend over three centuries.
Marking two decades of The Royal Welsh
Lieutenant Colonel Mark Adams, the Commanding Officer of 3 Royal Welsh, remarked: “Since 1689, the Regiment has honored St David’s Day, showcasing our Welsh heritage, which continues to be an essential aspect of the Regiment’s combat effectiveness today.
"No matter where our troops are stationed, we will always take the time to commemorate this significant date in the regimental calendar.”
The Regiment has been honoring St David’s Day since 1689, as noted by Lt Col Mark Adams, the Commanding Officer of 3 Royal Welsh.
The musical support within the cathedral was delivered by The Royal Welsh’s Regimental Band and Corps of Drums.
Royal Welsh troops also held official parades, engaged in athletic contests, and enjoyed a formal luncheon, during which chosen soldiers participated in the renowned leek-eating event after entering the dining hall behind the Regimental Goat Major, along with the mascot and drums.
Customs and traditions of the regiment during ceremonies
Brigadier Nigel Crewe‑Read OBE, Colonel of the Regiment, remarked: “The service at Llandaff Cathedral not only united the broader regimental family but also provided an opportunity to honor the Royal Welsh members who lost their lives or were injured during operational deployments in Iraq and Afghanistan over the past two decades, along with all those from previous conflicts.”
Alongside an imminent operational deployment, The Royal Welsh is set to organize a Party in the Park at Cardiff Castle on September 12, commemorating the past twenty years since its establishment, in addition to its 337 years of historical legacy.
The 1st Battalion Welsh Guards will participate in various activities and festivities for St David’s Day at Combermere Barracks in Windsor.
St. David’s Day honors our heritage, deeply rooted in Wales, as noted by Lt Col (Retd) Guy Bartle-Jones, the Regimental Adjutant of the Welsh Guards.
Lieutenant Colonel (Retired) Guy Bartle-Jones, the Regimental Adjutant, remarked: “Since its inception, St David’s Day has played a pivotal role in the history of the Welsh Guards.
"On the 1st of March in 1915, we began our duty at Buckingham Palace, and since then, we have commemorated this occasion as a regimental day with a service, a parade, and the presentation of leeks.
Welsh Guards celebrate their unique heritage on St David’s Day.
A delegation from the 5th/7th Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment (RAR) will also commemorate St David’s Day in Windsor, highlighting a longstanding connection with the Welsh Guards that began in 1965.
Guy mentioned: “In 2023, a contingent of the RAR participated in the St David’s Day parade at the barracks, marking the first occasion attended by HRH The Prince of Wales since his appointment as Colonel of the Welsh Guards.
No matter where we find ourselves in the world, we will always honor this remarkable event, Lt Col (Retd) Guy Bartle-Jones.
"This day is truly one of unity, and we will always honor this remarkable event no matter where we find ourselves across the globe.”
Getting ready for the deployment to Cyprus
The battalion is gearing up for a deployment to Cyprus, which will be only the second occasion that the Welsh Guards have been stationed on the island — the last time was in 1975 as part of a United Nations Peacekeeping Force.
The battalion is set to take charge of security in the sovereign base areas prior to shifting into its function as the Regional Operations Battalion, offering Defence a swiftly deployable strategic alternative should instability arise in the Middle East or Africa.