The King’s Colour Squadron will bring the world of video gaming to the Castle Esplanade

It has been a busy year for The King’s Colour Squadron. Known as the Queen’s Colour Squadron from 1 November 1960 until His Majesty King Charles III commanded their renaming on 27 October 2022, the squadron has been formed exclusively by Officers and Gunners of the 63 Squadron RAF Regiment.  

The King’s Colour Squadron is renowned for its Continuity Drill Displays and has thrilled audiences around the world including Germany, Poland, Netherlands, Switzerland, Canada, Australia and the United States of America. They also hold the world record for completing over 2,722,662 foot and rifle drill movements in 23 hours and 55 minutes, without word of command.  

Over the last couple of years, the Squadron has performed at a number of historic, high-profile events, such as the ceremonial repatriation of Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on her final journey from Edinburgh to London and the Coronation of Their Majesties in May 2023.  

Most recently, The King’s Colour Squadron have taken on the responsibility as the King’s Guard at the London Palaces, 80 years after first conducting the duty.  

The ceremony to assume the prestigious duty, known as the Changing of the Guard, took place on 16 June 2023 on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace and saw the King’s Colour Squadron assume responsibility for the security of His Majesty’s London residences – Buckingham Palace and St James’ Palace. 

In addition to their ceremonial duties, personnel from 63 Squadron RAF Regiment, the unit’s operational name, are currently deployed in the Middle East conducting a Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems (counter-drone) role. The Squadron has a unique and varied history as an Anti-Aircraft Flight during WW2 and later as a Ground Based Air Defence (GBAD) Squadron in the Falklands. They also have battle honours from Italy 1943-1945, France and Germany 1945, South Atlantic 1982 and Afghanistan 2001-2014.  

The King’s Colour Squadron Stories routine will tie into the Royal Air Force’s current focus on Air and Space power. Their performance will draw from video games, where the world of technology meets entertainment. From the traditional aspects of ceremonial military drill to the technologically focussed capability of our next generation Royal Air Force, their routine will include music from well-known games such as Battlefield II and Final Fantasy VII.  

The King’s Colour Squadron will also play the role of Guard of Honour at this year’s Show. See if you can spot them during our Show finale.  

Don’t miss their expert display this summer. Tickets for Stories are available here.