ANOTHER FIRST FOR THE KING THEIR MAJESTIES RED LETTER DAY AS ARMED FORCES ARE HONOURED

Days before members of the armed services join his spectacular coronation procession, the King presented his first regimental colours as monarch, voicing his thanks to the "talented men and women" who serve across the UK

In a hugely symbolic moment before they support him on the most important day of his life, His Majesty presented the standard of the Life Guards to the Life Guards of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment in the quadrangle of Buckingham Palace.

Wearing his Field Marshal uniform, the monarch stepped forward to touch the fabric after prayers and a blessing over the regimental banner.

State trumpeters wearing new golden tunics emblazoned with the King's cypher were seen for the first time during the ceremony.

His Majesty then presented colours to the Royal Navy, King's Company of the Grenadier Guards and King's Colour Squadron of the Royal Air Force in the garden, where he was joined by the Queen Consort, who is Colonel-in-Chief of the Grenadier Guards.

Her Majesty, who will be crowned alongside her husband, looked radiant in a red coat dress by Fiona Clare and striking matching beret by Philip Treacy, accessorised with her Grenadier Guards Colonel-inChief brooch.