SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13: UPDATED: As Colonel-in-Chief of the Bermuda Regiment, her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester this morning presented the Regiment with its new Colours as a jubilant crowd looked on at the National Sports stadium.

Marching down from the Police field, the Guard Commanders took their positions in the centre to applause from the crowd, followed by the parade. The spectators stood and cheered as the first Police motorcycles came in through the gate.

The crowd stood again as Premier Paula Cox, dressed in black with a black hat, was seated by the dais alongside the Bishop of Bermuda Patrick White, Imam Basim Muwwakkil of the Masjid Muhammas and Bishop of Hamilton Dr. Robert Kurtz.

Shortly thereafter, a 21 gun salute startled the crowd, and for two minutes the guns boomed from a position above the north end of the field. A Police escort arrived from the north, and the Royal entourage entered the stadium as the guns fell quiet.

Accompanied by Governor Sir Richard Gozney and aide-de-camp Major Christopher Wheddon, the Duchess of Gloucester, dressed in a pale blue coat and hat, was welcomed to the dias by Honourary Colonel of the Regiment Col. Eugene Raynor.

Her Royal Highness inspected the troops and could be seen exchanging a few words with members of the Regiment while the band played ‘Amaryllis’ and the guns were wheeled back out of the stadium.

Accompanied by Commading Officer Lt. Col. Brian Gonsalves, the Duchess completed her inspection, then the Bermuda Regiment’s old Colours — which were presented in 1990 by Princess Margaret — were trooped for the final time and marched past the dais. Regimental Sergeant Major Gavin Lee handed over the retiring Colours, a Union Jack flag and the Bermuda’s Regiment’s traditional blue flag.

The red-jacketed drum corps laid their drums on the grass before the dais, the new Colours were unfurled, and Quartermaster Captain Benjamin laid the new Colours into position against them.

The new Colours were then consecrated by the Bishop of Bermuda. The Duchess came down from the dais and the new Colours were raised, after which the Duchess gave a brief address to the Regiment. After Lt. Col. Gonsalves’s reply, the drum corps took back its instruments, the Guards fell back in line, and the new Colours were slowly marched to the sound of the British National Anthem.

With whistles, cheers and thunderous applause from the stands, the Guards marched past the dais; the Governor saluted as the Colours passed, and Her Royal Highness lowered her head as a gesture of respect.

Premier Paula Cox said: “The presentation was both moving and poignant, especially as we listened and heard the words and the important significance of the colours and all that they represent in terms of the duty, honour and country.

"It was even more moving personally given recent events. The people of Bermuda loved their Regiment and appreciated the elegant perfection of their various drills and parades, as well as the always melodic precision of the Regiment Band. That was wonderful to witness. I was both awed and proud.

"Bermuda appreciated that HRH, the Duchess of Gloucester, GCVO took the time to participate at this Consecration Service, and the representation of the various clergy in the Service: The Right Reverend Dr. Patrick White, Bishop of Bermuda, Anglican diocese; The Most Reverend Robert J. Kurtz, Bishop of Hamilton; The Roman Catholic Diocese and Imam Basim Muwwakkil, Masjid Muhammed provided an environment of community that bodes well for our people."

Yesterday, the Duchess of Gloucester began her tour of the Island with a tree-planting ceremony at Government House.

The Duchess and her entourage then drove to the Bermuda Football Association’s field at Prospect, in Devonshire, where football legend Clyde Best waited for her in front of the site of the BFA’s planned headquarters — which has been named the Clyde Best Centre for Excellence in recognition of his international stature.

The former West Ham striker said: “It’s a great honour and a great privilege to be here. After the things I’ve done over the years, I can tell you it’s nice to be appreciated like this.”

He said he was proud to speak on behalf of Bermudian football. “The Duchess is now the second member of the Royal family I’ve met. I was awarded the MBE by Prince Charles.”

A partial mobiliation of the Bermuda Regiment in attendance included the Regiment Band.

Arriving at 11am with Governor Sir Richard Gozney, the Duchess watched Bermudian footballers from the national academy demonstrate their moves.

Accompanied by Minister without Portfolio Michael Weeks, BFA general secretary David Sabir and player development committee chairman Mark Wade, the Duchess chatted with coaches and players.

Next stop was the Bermuda Regiment headquarters at Warwick Camp. Her Royal Highness toured the camp facilities and dined in the officer’s mess. In a brief ceremony shortly before 1.30 pm, the Duchess planted a Bermuda cedar on the lawn outside.

At 2 pm, the Duchess and Governor arrived at the St. John Ambulance Brigade headquarters in Paget for a demonstration of medical techniques, and a tour of three ambulances with medical responders.