It was due to be the first time that the Queen was to present leeks to 3 Royal Welsh, which is the reserve force of the regiment.

BBC: South West Wales

The reductions made in the U.S. force structure ensures that even if the United States decided to deploy its remaining four heavy divisions and one armored cavalry regiment, there would be no reserve comparable to that it enjoyed during Desert Storm -- four heavy divisions (two each in the United States and in Germany) and two armored cavalry regiments.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: "THE U.S. CAN NO LONGER AFFORD RECKLESS 'PEACE DIVIDENDS'"

Talking to a former general from the Rifles, he expresses concerns that his regiment, currently consisting of five regular and two reserve battalions, will see at least one regular battalion cut as the drawdown from Afghanistan begins.

BBC: Changing balance between UK reservists and regular troops

The regiment was created in 2007 through the merger of three single battalion regiments and the creation of a reserve one.

BBC: Mercian Regiment to get new colours