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Royal Navy service honours Queen Elizabeth II with laying up of Colours
29 October 2026
Her Royal Highness the Princess Royal joined 150 Royal Navy personnel and distinguished guests for the laying up of her late Majesty the Queen’s Colour.
Held at Portsmouth Cathedral, the service saw HM Queen Elizabeth II’s Colour presented to the Cathedral Dean, followed by prayers, hymns and readings.
‘Laying up’ is the established military practice by which a Sovereign’s Colour is retired once replaced. The act honours the Colour as a historic artefact, normally in a place of worship – and this Colour will join others hanging in the cathedral from previous kings and queens.
For the Royal Navy, the ceremony makes the transition from one Sovereign’s Colours to the next while honouring those who served under them.
The Princess Royal was guest of honour and was greeted in Old Portsmouth by a Royal Navy Guard of Honour and HM Band of Royal Marines who paraded down the streets before the service.
First Sea Lord General Sir Gwyn Jenkins was also in attendance and welcomed the guests during the service.
“This is a moment to pause, to remember and to give thanks,” he said.
“The Colours before us were presented by Her Majesty in Portsmouth in 1986 and for nearly four decades they have been paraded by generations of sailors and Royal Marines.
“The Queen’s Colours now take their place to reside here as naval Colours have done before.
“We serve the Crown and defend the Nation, today we honour her late Majesty’s life of duty and all those who served beneath her Colours.”
We serve the Crown and defend the Nation, today we honour her late Majesty’s life of duty and all those who served beneath her Colours
During the service, the First Sea Lord carried the Colour through the nave as HM Band of Royal Marines played Auld Lang Syne and the Guard of Honour stood to attention.
He presented it to Her Royal Highness who then delivered it to the Archdeacon for the Royal Navy before he handed them to the Dean and placed on the altar.
After prayers and hymns, The Princess Royal read from the Bible and an Act of Remembrance was conducted – paying tribute to all those who have lost their lives from conflicts and while serving in the Armed Forces.
Petty Officer Cameron Evans was part of the Guard of Honour. He said: “Serving in the Royal Navy under both the late Queen’s Colour and now His Majesty the King is a great honour.
“It was a proud moment to be able to say a final farewell to Her Majesty. We had lots of ranks and ratings here today and many of us served under the Queen.”
AB Glenn Hockley, who is also part of the Guard and will be taking part in Remembrance ceremony duties in November, added: “It was an honour to be a part of today and it was great seeing people on the streets to see us on parade.
“It’s a poignant moment to do it so close to Remembrance too.”