History

This special event at Windsor Castle dates back nearly 90 years. It recognises the outstanding achievements of adults and young people through a Parade and service by gift of the Monarch. It's a perennial highlight of the Scouts calendar, and for those who go each year, it's a truly special day indeed. 

Scouts first visited Windsor en masse in July 1911. 26,000 members came to the Castle, and at the time it was the largest recorded gathering of young people in Britain. The assembled Scouts were reviewed by the Movement’s founder, Robert Baden-Powell, and King George V. Both men were mounted on horseback. 

The St George’s Day Parade, now called the Day of Celebration and Achievement, began in 1934. 750 King’s Scouts and Scouters, representing 39 counties of England and Wales, marched past the King and Queen on their way to St George’s Chapel. The event was such a success and was voted to become an annual event.

The Parade and service carried on in this way until 1937, when the recipients of Gallantry awards were invited to attend. 

Due to the Second World War, no Parade was held between 1940 and 1945. The event was held every year until 2020 and 2021, when it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.