Royal fans erupted into a frenzy after an adorable five-year old boy is given a prestigious honour at key royal event.
The Duke of Kent, 80, attended his final Black Sunday parade as Colonel of the Scots Guards on April 14.
After 50 years of service, the royal will be handing the ropes to Prince Edward, the Duke of Edinburgh.
However it wasn’t the Duke’s attendance that stole the show, it was five-year-old Frank Gates.
Frank was pictured posing with members of the Scots Guard ahead of the arrival of Prince Edward, Duke of Kent on Sunday.
Posting the special day on his TikTok, the five-year-old shared some memories from day – including a picture of him meeting the Duke of Kent. In response, royal fans expressed their delight at seeing the five-year-old’s day, with one fan commenting: “Frank has made it in life already, nice one lad, and thanks to the parents for raising him to respect his country.” Another royal fan commented: “Frank’s rubbing shoulders with the royalty. Love it.” Taking to his latest TikTok post, another person commented: “Amazing memory for the wew soldier.” Another commented: “Wonderful! I’m so proud of you, Frank!!”
(Image: Chris Jackson)
The Duke of Kent, who celebrated his 88th birthday last October, attended his last official engagement as Colonel of the Scots Guard. It was announced on Sunday evening that the royal will be stepping down from the role after 50 years. The Duke of Kent was pictured at the event on April 14. Speaking ahead of the ceremony at the Guards Chapel in Wellington Barracks, he said that the role had been “a true honour” to hold the position. The 88-year-old said: “Serving as Colonel of the Scots Guards since 1974, the longest anyone has spent in this role, has been a true honour and one which will forever fill me with great joy.”
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In a statement posted on the official Royal Family’s Instagram account, he said: “Through those years, I have seen the work of the Scots Guards during peacetime and war.” For the ceremony, the cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II donned a navy blue suit, a striped red and blue tie and a blue checked shirt. The royal paired the outfit with a pair of black leather loafers, while he pinned a variety of medals representing 50 years in service to his blazer. Despite walking with a cane, the royal appeared in high spirits at the event.
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The Duke of Kent – who also goes by the title of Prince Edward – paid tribute to the “bravery, selfless courage and devotion to duty” of the Scots Guards ahead of stepping down from his role. He added: “To my fellow Scots Guardsmen, I am immensely proud to have served you all. I am delighted that His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh will continue to champion all that you do and work towards preserving your great legacy”. It was also revealed that the King’s brother, the Duke of Edinburgh would be taking over the role as Colonel of the Scots Guard. The Duke of Edinburgh, 60, is now set to head the elite infantry regiment that fought in the Battle of Waterloo.
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