Former Frome College student Lt Tristan Williams was chosen to represent his platoon, the Royal Welsh, at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff.
Lt Williams, aged 22, who is based in Tidworth, presented the colours to the Queen for her to bless as head of the Church. After the colourful ceremony, the Queen joined the regiment for lunch.
Andree Williams, Tristan’s mother, spoke to the Frome Times on his behalf as her son was stationed at his base. She said, “Tristan always wanted to join the military. He applied to Royal Sandhurst military academy to train as an officer, which is a very difficult selection process, and passed; becoming the youngest in his intake and one of the very few that had not been to university. He wanted to join the Royal Welsh as we are a Welsh family and he wanted to join the infantry.
“On June 11th the Queen gave new colours to the Royal Welsh. The roof in the stadium was closed and there was a great atmosphere with lights and smoke. There was a big crowd of family and friends and old soldiers from the regiment.
“The regiment was first given the freedom of the city. Tristan was chosen to carry the colours. First, they had to march the old colours off and then march on the new colours. Tristan was given the responsibility of giving the orders to the colour party. At this point the Queen arrived to a rapturous welcome, she spoke to the regiment, then she blessed the colours, this involved the officers with the colours moving forward on to kneeling posts she then went to each one in turn. After the ceremony the Queen stayed for lunch with the regiment. Tristan was very honoured to be chosen to carry the colours and meet the Queen.
“There had been many hours of practice to make it a very professional display. As a parent I was extremely proud to watch my son take part in such an amazing day.”
