VIDEO: Parade goes ahead in Swansea in The Queen's absence
A PARADE in Swansea to honour members of the 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh has still taken place in The Queen's absence.
It was on Friday evening when Buckingham Palace said that the 86-year-old monarch was suffering from gastroenteritis.
She had been due to present members of 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh with leeks to mark St David's Day.
It was due to be the first time that The Queen was to present leeks to 3rd Royal Welsh, which is the reserve force of the regiment.
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But the parade, presentation and reception still took place earlier today.
The Lord Lieutenant of West Glamorgan, Byron Lewis, took over the ceremonial role.
"She was very apologetic and very disappointed not to be here today." he said.
"Hopefully she will meet them soon in the near future."
He added that he was "honoured" to step in her shoes and present the leeks to members of 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh.
Brigadier Philip Napier, Colonel of the Regiment, said The Queen was very sad she was not able to attend.
In his address to the reception he said: "Her Majesty has asked me to say how disappointed she is not able to be here. She was very much looking forward to meeting you.
"She has specifically asked us to have a good day and not to worry too much that she is not here."
Even though The Queen was not there, scores of residents turned up to witness the parade and presentation.
David and Jan Silvey from Mumbles said they were disappointed that The Queen had not been able to make it.
Mrs Silvey said: "She would have been the icing on the cake."
Mr Silvey added: "It is not very often you get the Welsh regiment in Swansea.
"The Queen not being here is disappointing but the weather is dry which is a bonus."
Joan and John Cook said they enjoyed the parade.
"It is a shame The Queen could not come here," said Mrs Cook, 80.
"It is a big event and there would have been a lot of organising.
"She never cancels."
7 Comments
by godisalie
Monday, March 04 2013, 12:18AM
“Wait for it, another day of the mouth is due.”
by Neathboy234
Sunday, March 03 2013, 12:00AM
“cymroun me and you mate.”
by cymroun
Saturday, March 02 2013, 10:24PM
“To williamwaun, if you're going to make comments like that please give me a warning first ,that way I can have a bucket ready to be sick in.”
by gorseboy
Saturday, March 02 2013, 9:29PM
“Neathboy234
Wrong! again.
The 3rd Battalion The Royal Welsh is the TA Battalion based in Cardiff.”
by Neathboy234
Saturday, March 02 2013, 6:19PM
“williamwaun i don't think she'd like you calling her Elizabeth, show a bit more respect man your a disgrace”
by williamwaun
Saturday, March 02 2013, 5:05PM
“Shame the Queen couldn't make it. Best wishes, get well soon Elizabeth”
by Neathboy234
Saturday, March 02 2013, 2:53PM
“This Parade goes ahead on the same day that we are told the defense budget is stretched like never before. Taking into account that these soldiers and the Queen are both based in London and would have traveled all the way to Swansea for this parade i can only imagine that someone thinks we have money to burn. This madness must stop. We simply cannot afford to indulge this lunacy anymore. If this carries on i will consider joining the tax payers alliance lol”