PRINCE Charles is set to visit paratroopers in Colchester during a ceremonial presentation of new colours to several battalions.

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales is due to visit Merville Barracks today in his role as Colonel in Chief of the Parachute Regiment.

Personnel from the 1st, 2nd and 3rd battalions of the Parachute Regiment are set to be presented with new colours - ceremonial military flags - which will replace those previously presented to the battalions at Aldershot in 1998.

The Parachute Regiment’s Colonel Commandant Lieutenant General Sir John Lorimer led the full dress rehearsal of the presentation on Friday.

A regiment spokesman said: “We hope you can gather with airborne friends to watch the presentation of colours.

“The Prince of Wales will present the new colours.

“Unfortunately, due to the extension of the Government restrictions, guest attendance to the event will be limited, focussing on the serving and their families, especially those that could not have a pass off parade in the last year.

“The broadcast will start at approximately 10.45am, centred on the parade square in Merville Barracks.

“There will be three guards drawn from the three battalions and we will see the old colours marched off for the last time. The consecration service will follow and the new colours will be presented.

“Activity on the parade square will finish with a flypast and freefall display by the Red Devils.”

The ceremony will be broadcast live to the regiment’s social media page, at facebook.com/PARA.

In 2017, Prince Charles spoke of the “immense pride” he felt towards his role during a visit to Colchester to mark 40 years of being Colonel in Chief of the regiment.

He stopped to speak to soldiers during the visit and presented commendations to six soldiers for their service.

The prince gave a speech to the soldiers and presented medals, before watching a parachute display by the Red Devils Freefall display team. He also visited each battalion in turn and they presented aspects of regimental life, from parachuting to vehicles and equipment.