The Royal Welsh (St David's Day Pictures 2024)

While civilians limit themselves to sporting daffodils and taking part in festivities across the country, Welsh units tie leeks to their caps or helmets. However, The Royal Welsh have a more specific tradition... Eating them.

Pictures below show the ceremony 'Eating the Leek' as it is observed by the youngest soldier in each company, and by newly-joined officers and guests at a dinner in the Officers' Mess.

According to the legend, when the Welsh fought the Saxons they were both wearing similar uniforms.  St David then advised the soldiers to wear leeks on their caps to distinguish themselves. In the end, the Welsh won the battle, and the leeks have become a symbol ever since.