Princess Royal hands Queen Elizabeth II's Colours to Portsmouth Cathedral in 'poignant' Royal Navy service

Emotional tributes were made to the late Queen Elizabeth II has her Colours were handed to Portsmouth Cathedral.

Princess Anne was the guest of honour during The Laying Up of of Her Late Majesty’s Colours today (October 29). Musicians in the Royal Marines Band Service (RMBS) and Royal Navy sailors marched through Old Portsmouth.

The Princess Royal received the Sovereign’s Colour from First Sea Lord, General Sir Gwyn Jenkins, before passing them over to the Diocese of Portsmouth. “These colours are more than just silk and tradition,” the head of the Royal Navy told invited guests.

“They speak to her late Majesty’s connection to the Royal Navy. We’re proud to have served her, and the ceremony gives us a chance to say a fond farewell. There is no more appropriate place for this than in this Cathedral.

“The Queen’s colours will now rest here. Now the new colours of the King have taken their place. We will continue to serve the Crown.”

King Charles III presented new Colours at Buckingham Palace on April 27, 2023. The King’s or Queen’s Colours generally remain in use after the accession of a new Sovereign until being replaced by the presentation of a new Colour, with the retiring Colour being laid up as soon as possible.

Lieutenant Commander Dan Hill, of Alverstoke, was part of the ceremony and met the late Queen when HMS Queen Elizabeth was commissioned. He told The News: “It was a great honour having met the late Queen, and it’s an immense pride and honour to be part of this ceremony. It was quite fortuitous to have have been presented to her.”

Crowds gathered in Old Portsmouth High Street to catch a glimpse of Princess Anne and the parade. Personnel proceeded into the cathedral, with the Colours at the forefront. Once inside the cathedral, everyone stood to attention to welcome Her Royal Highness. The Colours were brought to her and the handed over to the Diocese.

A wreath was then laid to remember those who died while serving the Crown. Remembrance readings were made before The Last Post. Silence fell over the place of worship, which was followed by further readings and the National Anthem. Lt Cdr Hill said such a service had to take place in Portsmouth.

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“Remembering others who served before me was very poignant,” he added. “It’s a new era for the Royal Navy to serve under King Charles III. It was a very important day to see Princess Anne representing him here in Portsmouth. It’s the home of the Royal Navy, so it’s very fitting for the service to happen here.”

“Laying Up” is the established military practice by which a Sovereign’s Colour is retired once replaced. The act honours the Colour as a historic artefact and is often held within a place of worship. The ceremony marks the transition from one Sovereign’s Colours to the next while honouring those who served under them. It’s a ceremonial requirement and considered an important act of institutional continuity.

AB Glenn Hockley, of Portchester, said: “It was a great honour to be part of the ceremony, especially ahead of Remembrance. It meant a lot serving under the Queen’s Colours. I’m sure it means a lot to the other personnel too. I didn’t think anyone would be here, but the streets were packed with people. I saw some familiar faces.”

Petty Officer Cameron Evans, who has served for more than 10 years, said it was important for the personnel to reflect on the late Monarch. He said: “To say our final farewell to the Queen and now serve under the King’s Colours was fitting.

“I’m extremely proud to have served under her. It’s a proper farewell to honour there. It’s nice to showcase what we’re doing to the public. Maybe a lot of people didn’t know what that represented, but I’m sure this’ll show the significance of it.”

AB Millie Taft, based at HMS Nelson, added: “The parade just gave me a sense of pride in what I’m doing. Doing parades is my favourite thing, it’s one of the reasons why I joined. It makes me feel like I’m doing something good.”