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PPE

On 8th April 1904, a historic treaty was signed between the UK and France: the Entente Cordiale. This treaty marked an end to the tensions that had existed between our two countries for over 400 years and paved the way for the close relationship that has continued. 

To celebrate the anniversary, a small detachment of Coldstreamers were invited to Paris to be hosted by the Premier Regimente of the Garde Républicaine, before then conducting a parade between the British Embassy (La Residence) and the  Élysée Palace. It was to be a unique event, however, there were some challenges to overcome. With our respective histories and customs, it was important that all of this was weaved together on the day. With some shared training, we achieved the aim.

Having learned French words of command, walked the ground, rehearsed in situ, we were finally ready for the parade. On the morning of 8th April we made our way to La Residence with a blue light escort, and changed into our tunics under the grand chandeliers and frescos of the ball room. With tunics on and bearskin caps in hand we made our way to the courtyard and were greeted by the embassy staff. In the distance we could hear the band of the Garde Républicaine approaching and we readied ourselves to make history. 7 Company were about to be the first ever foreign soldiers to parade inside the Élysée Palace, under the watchful eye of the President of France and HM Ambassador and the world’s press.

Halting outside the Élysée Palace we were joined by the Old and New Guards of the Garde Républicaine awaiting the arrival of the VIPs. The choir of the French Army sang both God Save the King and La Marseillaise as the President and the entourage emerged from the Palace.

After the anthems, under French words of command, we marched through the archway of the Élysée Palace and formed a stair party and Guard of Honour. As the President returned into the Palace, the Company Commander, Major Zach Faja was invited forward to meet the President. Following this meeting the President and the other dignitaries made their way into the Palace as we prepared to march off having successfully completed the parade.
Following this historic and poignant occasion we made our way back to La Residence before embarking on a tour of Paris with the guidance of our superb host, Olivier Garnier. We visited the Tomb of Napoleon in the Hôtel des Invalides, the Arc de Triomphe, and back to Celestin Barracks for a reception with the other troops on parade.

Overall, it was a spectacular weekend symbolising the union between France and Great Britain, an extremely special moment in the careers of all those involved.

Zach Faja