Waterloo ceremony facts for kids
The Waterloo ceremony is a special yearly event where the Duke of Wellington gives a symbolic payment to the King or Queen of the United Kingdom. This ceremony happens every year at Windsor Castle on June 18th. This date is important because it's the anniversary of the famous Battle of Waterloo.
The Story Behind the Ceremony
The Stratfield Saye House in Hampshire is a large estate that was bought by the people of the United Kingdom in 1817. It was a gift for Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington, who was a great military leader. The nation gave him this home because he won the Battle of Waterloo. In this battle, he defeated Napoleon, a powerful French emperor. To remember this gift, every year the current Duke of Wellington gives a special flag to the King or Queen. This flag acts as a symbolic "rent" for the house.
There's a similar tradition too! The Duke of Marlborough also presents a special banner to the monarch at Windsor Castle each year. This is done around August 13th, which is the anniversary of the Battle of Blenheim. It's another way to remember a historic victory and a gift of land.
How the Ceremony Works
During the ceremony, the Duke of Wellington presents a beautiful silk French tricolour flag to the monarch. This flag has gold embroidery and the year it's presented is printed on it. A brand new flag is made for this event every single year.
After the King or Queen receives the flag, a person called the Castle Superintendent takes it. They place the flag in the Guard Chamber, right above a special statue (called a bust) of the very first Duke of Wellington. It's a way to honor his memory and his great victory.
See Also
- Quit Rents ceremonies
External Links
- Rent banner – Royal Collection Trust
