Queen Elizabeth II’s husband Prince Philip officiated at a military ceremony in the Canadian city of Toronto on Saturday on the second day of his first major overseas trip since 2011.
The 91-year-old spouse of the British monarch was on hand to present a new regimental flag to the Third Battalion of the Royal Canadian Regiment, of which he is the honorary colonel-in-chief.
The prince, who arrived in Canada on Friday, told a crowd of several hundred wellwishers that the regiment could be proud of its “enviable reputation for peacekeeping.”
Philip has served as honorary colonel-in-chief since 1953, and also presented the regiment with its new colors 40 years ago.
Saturday’s ceremony was held to mark the 200th anniversary of the Battle of York, part of the War of 1812, when US forces landed in Ontario.
“I am satisfied that you will cherish these colors as a testimony of past achievements, a memorial to fallen comrades and as a reminder of your duties in the years ahead,” the prince said.
The Duke of Edinburgh, as Philip is formally known, has not taken a long-haul flight since October 2011, when he accompanied the queen on a tour of Australia.
He last left Britain in May last year for a one-day trip to visit British troops in Germany. He returns to Britain on Sunday.
Britain's Prince Philip in Canada for military ceremony
