Prince Philip’s ceremonial military uniform goes on display

The ceremonial uniform worn by Prince Philip as Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles has gone on display as part of an exhibition celebrating his long-standing association with the regiment. 

Prince Philip, who died in April 2021, aged 99, was Colonel-in-Chief of successive Regiments that have made up The Rifles since 1953. Today they largest infantry Regiment in the British Army.

In July 2020, Prince Philip transferred his title to the Duchess of Cornwall in one of his final public appearances before his death. 

The Duke of Edinburgh’s uniform is on public view at The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum in Salisbury, Wiltshire, alongside photographs and other artefacts celebrating his ties to the regiment. 

Proud: The Duke of Edinburgh wore the uniform on important occasions, including marking the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War, pictured

On display: The uniform is on display at The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum in Salisbury, Wiltshire, alongside this painting of Prince Philip in the ceremonial uniform

He wore the uniform on important occasions, including marking the 60th anniversary of the end of the Second World War. 

One photo shows Prince Philip opening the museum in 1982. He flew himself to the engagement in a helicopter. 

The Rifles were formed in February 2007, following the merger of four celebrated infantry Regiments – The Devonshire and Dorset Light Infantry; The Light Infantry; The Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Light Infantry; and The Royal Green Jackets.

Forged during the campaigns of Iraq and Afghanistan, they are now the largest infantry regiment in the British Army. Their motto is: ‘Swift and Bold.’ 

Simon Cook, a retired regimental officer who has curated the exhibition, said: ‘The purpose of a colonel-in-chief is to maintain a direct link between a regiment and the Royal Family.

Long-standing ties: The Duke of Edinburgh in uniform outside The Rifles museum

Flying visit: One photo shows Prince Philip opening the museum in 1982. He flew himself to the engagement in a helicopter. Pictured, Prince Philip landing the helicopter

Military history: The Rifles Berkshire and Wiltshire Museum, where the exhibition is held

‘In modern usage, the colonel-in-chief of a regiment is its patron. He or she has a ceremonial role in the life of the regiment and visits it regularly.’

A museum spokesperson added: ‘The exhibition shows something of the character of the prince.

‘Always engaged and interested, he attended parades and other regimental events, met serving soldiers and their families, had lively discussions with old comrades and took part enthusiastically in whatever was going on.

Star attraction: The Rifles uniform worn by The Duke of Edinburgh, as seen in the museum

‘When he was appointed colonel-in-chief of the Wiltshires in 1953, the regiment sent a signal showing their appreciation to the Queen, which is on display in the exhibition.

‘They were right to be delighted but few would have predicted that he would stay in this role for 67 years.’

The exhibition runs until the end of November.

Duty: Prince Philip, 99, who retired in 2017, transferred the historic military title of Colonel-in-Chief of the infantry regiment The Rifles to the Duchess of Cornwall in July 2020. The pair took part in a socially-distant ceremony, with Philip in Windsor (pictured) and Camilla at Highgrove

Taking over: A new portrait of the Duchess of Cornwall has been unveiled to commemorate her role as Colonel-in-Chief of The Rifles. The photograph shows Camilla, 72, wearing a Bugle Horn brooch commissioned by The Rifles (pictured)