We are honoured to be entrusted with these VCs and GCs from the Lord Ashcroft Medal Collection. These medals, and the individual acts of extraordinary bravery and valour they represent, form a powerful part of the Army's story.
We're dealing now with thousands of protests every year. We also know that the protest demand on the Met is a chronic abstraction for officers taken out of community policing. Money given to the Met from central Government to cover policing in the capital city was significantly underfunded for the amount of demand that they are currently dealing with.
A string quartet was playing in the hotel's lobby on our arrival, and the music drifted gently through to the Green Parlour as we took our tea. The tea room itself is unmilitary in style, with lots of soft greens and botanical art on the walls. For those who like their afternoon tea with bubbles, there's a choice of English sparkling wines at the Green Parlour.
I remember our meeting during her time with the Welsh Guards, where her warmth and compassion were unmistakable. She served with courage and distinction as a medic and sought always to help others. I send my heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.
So, on Sunday 25th January, members of the reenactment society will converge on The Mall from all across the country, some arriving already dressed in buff coats and broad-brimmed hats, others changing into period clothing on arrival. There are pikes to be shouldered, muskets checked, and a few tentative practice swings as old drill is recalled, before the ranks are set and order restored.