Waterloo ceremony facts for kids
The Waterloo ceremony is a special yearly event. During this ceremony, the Duke of Wellington gives a symbolic payment to the King or Queen of the United Kingdom. This payment is like a symbolic rent for his home. The ceremony happens every year on June 18th at Windsor Castle. This date is important because it's the anniversary of the famous Battle of Waterloo.
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Why the Ceremony Happens
The story behind the Waterloo ceremony goes back a long time. After the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, Arthur Wellesley, 1st Duke of Wellington was a hero. He led the British army to victory against Napoleon. As a thank you from the country, the people of the United Kingdom bought him a large home called Stratfield Saye House in Hampshire in 1817.
This house was a gift to the Duke for his great victory. To remember this gift and the Battle of Waterloo, the Duke of Wellington's family agreed to pay a symbolic rent each year. This rent is not money. Instead, it is a special flag. The current Duke of Wellington continues this tradition, presenting the flag to the reigning monarch every year.
Another Similar Tradition
There's another similar tradition in the United Kingdom. The Duke of Marlborough also presents a symbolic rent to the monarch. This is for Blenheim Palace, his family's home. He gives a copy of a French royal banner. This happens around August 13th, which is the anniversary of the Battle of Blenheim. Both ceremonies are special ways to remember important historical events.
What Happens During the Ceremony
The Waterloo ceremony is quite simple but full of meaning. The Duke of Wellington presents a special flag to the monarch. This flag is a silk French tricolour. It has three colors, just like the French flag. The flag is decorated with gold embroidery. It also has the year it is presented printed on it. A brand new flag is made for the ceremony each year.
After the Duke hands the flag to the monarch, it is taken away. The Castle Superintendent takes the flag to the Guard Chamber. This is a room inside Windsor Castle. The flag is then placed above a bust. A bust is a sculpture of a person's head and shoulders. This bust is of the very first Duke of Wellington, Arthur Wellesley.
See also
- Quit Rents ceremonies
