Thousands of people lined the streets to watch soldiers from the Royal Welsh exercise their right to march through Pontypridd .

Having been granted the freedom of the borough in 2010, Saturday saw the spectacular sight of the Royal Welsh marching through the town in full colours.

Soldiers of the Royal Welsh march through Pontypridd after receiving the reaffirmation of the conferment of the freedom of Rhonda Cynon Taf
Soldiers of the Royal Welsh marched through Pontypridd on Saturday

“It was a huge honour for our county borough to once again host The Royal Welsh," said Rhondda Cynon Taf Mayor, Rhys Lewis.

“Having been granted the freedom of Rhondda Cynon Taf six years ago, the regiment has now exercised its right to parade through our streets.

“The reaffirmation of the freedom of the county borough of Rhondda Cynon Taf upon the Royal Welsh was a special day.”

Soldiers of the Royal Welsh march through Pontypridd after receiving the reaffirmation of the conferment of the freedom of Rhonda Cynon Taf
Never too young to join in

As many as 10,000 people watched The Royal Welsh being granted freedom of the borough in 2010.

Royal Welsh regimental secretary, Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Chris Kilmister, said: “The regiment has always had a very close relationship with Pontypridd and its people.

“Many of our officers and soldiers come from the county borough, and we have always had a warm reception from the community.

Soldiers of the Royal Welsh march through Pontypridd after receiving the reaffirmation of the conferment of the freedom of Rhonda Cynon Taf

“The freedom of a town or borough is a very high honour and one the Royal Welsh is extremely proud to have had granted.

“The reaffirmation of that freedom gave the officers and soldiers on parade a great sense of pride and pleasure.”

Soldiers of the Royal Welsh march through Pontypridd after receiving the reaffirmation of the conferment of the freedom of Rhonda Cynon Taf

Royal Welsh regimental adjutant, Captain Ben Phillips, said: “Conducting a freedom parade in Pontypridd is a really important opportunity to highlight our strong links back to one of our key communities in Wales.

“As Royal Welshmen, we represent our friends, families and wider Welsh society in everything that we do, on home soil or overseas.

“This parade was an excellent opportunity to demonstrate how much we, as a regiment, value the support of communities we serve.

“Our national identity and affinity for our homeland binds us all together.

“Through times of hardship and joy our bond with our home communities as brother Royal Welshmen always endures.”

Soldiers of the Royal Welsh march through Pontypridd after receiving the reaffirmation of the conferment of the freedom of Rhonda Cynon Taf
Soldiers of the Royal Welsh march through Pontypridd after receiving the reaffirmation of the conferment of the freedom of Rhonda Cynon Taf

The Royal Welsh were formed on St David’s Day 2006 and inherited a regimental history that spanned more than 300 years.

It has won more than 200 battle honours and 43 of its soldiers have received the Victoria Cross.

Today, The Royal Welsh is one of the most experienced units in the army.