Colourful Freedom of Guildford Parade for 2nd Battalion, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment

Published on: 30 Jun, 2018
Updated on: 9 Jun, 2024

The 2nd Battalion, The Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment exerciosed its freedom of the borough of Guildford in a colourful parade and service on Saturday, June 30.

Troops from the 2nd Battalion, Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment, line up in front of Holy Trinity Church. Pictures by Bob McShee.

In brilliant sunshine on Armed Forces Day, the parade set off from the Town Bridge with troops marching behind a band up the High Street halting outside Holy Trinity Church.

The battalion was welcomed by the Mayor of Guildford, Mike Parsons, who presented Col Patrick Crowley, deputy colonel of the regiment, with a scroll marking the honour.

Inspection of the troops.

Also in attendance was the Lord Lieutenant of Surrey, Michael More-Molyneux, who inspected the troops.

The service included hymns, readings, prayers and the singing of the National Anthem.

The Mayor of Guildford, Mike Parsons (right), watches as the troops stand as they stand to attention.

Ahead of the event, the mayor said: “I’m delighted to support the military parade through Guildford.

“The people of Guildford are very proud of our armed forces and it is very fitting for us to welcome the 2nd Battalion of the Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment.

“‘The Tigers’ as they are known is our local regiment and many regimental families and veterans live within the county of Surrey.”

There are a number of events coming up as Guildford marks the centenary of the end of the First World War.

Dates for your diary:

Saturday, September 15: Stoughton at the end of the Great War – free community event on the green at Cardwells Keep, off Stoughton Road (formerly Stoughton Barracks). Noon to 4.30pm.

Sunday, September 30: Dedication of a new war memorial in the Castle Grounds to commemorate those from Guildford who have died in service since the Second World War. Holy Trinity Church, 10am.

Sunday, November 10: concert for peace at G Live, organised by Vivace Chorus in partnership with Guildford Borough Council, 7.30pm.

Sunday, November 11: lone piper (Battle’s Over), Guildford Cathedral, 6am.

Sunday, November 11: Battle’s Over, World War I beacons of light, The Mount, 7pm.

Sunday, November 11: Guildford Choral Society, Britten: War Requiem, Guildford Cathedral, 8pm.

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