Soldiers march through York after Prince Andrew presents Colours (VIDEO AND PICTURE GALLERY)

Prince Andrew gave a speech as part of the Colours presentation parade by The Yorkshire Regiment, of which he is Colonel-in-Chief, and also praised the support soldiers received from their loved ones.

He arrived at Imphal Barracks in York, in a black Land Rover in uniform to inspect the the troops.

He watched as the old Colours were marched off before the replacements were brought for blessing by the Army chaplain.

The Duke then made his way round each unit and individually hoisted the Colours, which are emblazoned onto an ornate needlework flag, in way of formal presentation.

Addressing the soldiers and the crowd, he said it was a "very, very important day" for the whole regiment.

He continued: "The history of this regiment goes back many, many years and a number of very prestigious and illustrious antecedent Regiments.

"All that history, all that experience, all that service and sacrifice is now brought together in one full body of men with these new Colours."

The presentation brought together the three regular Battalions and one Territorial Battalion for the first time since they were formed on June 6, 2006.

Yorkshire Regiment spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Paul Simpson said it was a "great honour" to have Andrew present the Colours. He added that having four new sets of Colours at the same time is a very rare event.

On Saturday, soldiers from the regiment attend a church service inside York Minster after using their Regimental Freedom rights to march through the City of York with their newly presented Colours.