Prince William thanks troops for taking part in Colonel's Review during heatwave
The Prince of Wales has thanked troops for taking part in the Colonel's Review amid sweltering temperatures.
Prince William reviewed his troops at Horse Guards Parade in London.
It comes ahead of Trooping the Colour next weekend.
The ceremony involved hundreds of horses and soldiers carrying out complex battlefield drill manoeuvres to military music.
With temperatures reaching 28°C, at least three soldiers fainted and were taken off on stretchers, whilst two more were helped off the parade ground.
The Prince of Wales tweeted to say: "A big thank you to every soldier who took part in the Colonel's Review this morning in the heat. Difficult conditions but you all did a really good job. Thank you. W."
The Colonel's Review is the final evaluation of the Household Division before the soldiers and horses parade for the King during Trooping the Colour on 17 June to mark the Monarch's official birthday.
Prince William inspected his troops on horseback, wearing a bearskin cap and red dress uniform, for the first time as Colonel of the Welsh Guards.
His horse, named Darby, was a gift to the late Queen from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and led the funeral procession for William's grandmother last year.
This year, it is the turn of the Welsh Guards – the King's former division – to Troop their Colour.
King Charles was Colonel of the Welsh Guards for 48 years before passing the role to Prince William in 2022.
The Trooping the Colour parade traces its origins back to the Middle Ages when each Lord or Baron flew their banner, known as a colour, so their followers could spot them in battle.
The annual event has marked the official birthday of the British sovereign for more than 260 years.
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