The nation was at this period engaged in a war with its North American colonies, and the French monarch having agreed to assist the revolted provincials, the army was augmented, and during the time this regiment was in Scotland, an addition of one serjeant, one corporal, and fifteen private men was made to the establishment. It returned to England in April, and in May a squadron was in attendance on the King and Queen at Portsmouth, whither their Majesties proceeded to witness a naval review, &c. In August, a further addition of eight men, who were to be equipped as light dragoons, was made to its numbers. During the summer it was encamped on Salisbury Plain. [Sidenote: 1779] In 1779 the men of the PRINCE OF WALES' DRAGOON GUARDS equipped as light dragoons, with the men of the 1st, 6th, and 11th Dragoons were formed into a regiment, which was numbered the 20th regiment of Light Dragoons; and from this period the heavy regiments ceased to have a portion of their men equipped as light cavalry. During the summer the THIRD DRAGOON GUARDS with the 1st Royal Dragoons, and the 15th, 20th, and 21st Light Dragoons, were encamped on Lexdon Heath, near Colchester. [Sidenote: 1780] During the summer of 1780 the regiment was stationed at Shrewsbury, and on the breaking out of the memorable riots in London, it was suddenly called upon to proceed thither. Severe measures being found absolutely necessary to preserve the metropolis from destruction, the suppression of these riots was a painful service to the troops, and the violence of the misguided people was so great, that about 300 rioters fell victims to their own folly, before order was restored. The PRINCE OF WALES' DRAGOON GUARDS returned to their quarters at Shrewsbury in July, where they continued for some time. [Sidenote: 1782] On the 7th of June, 1782, his Majesty conferred the Colonelcy on Lieut.-General Philip Honeywood from the 4th Regiment of Irish Horse (now 7th Dragoon Guards), in the place of Lord Robert Manners, deceased. [Sidenote: 1783] After the British Government had recognised the independence of the United States of America, the strength of the army was reduced, and the establishment of the PRINCE OF WALES' DRAGOON GUARDS was decreased 154 men. [Sidenote: 1785] The decease of General Honeywood having occurred in January, 1785, his Majesty appointed Major-General Richard Burton Philipson Colonel of the THIRD DRAGOON GUARDS. [Sidenote: 1788] [Sidenote: 1789] The regiment continued in England until the spring of 1788, when it again proceeded to Scotland, and remained in that kingdom the usual period of one year. After its arrival in England, in 1789, the establishment was increased nine men per troop. [Sidenote: 1792] In August, 1792, the Colonelcy of the PRINCE OF WALES' DRAGOON GUARDS, vacant by the decease of General Philipson, was conferred on Major-General Sir William Fawcett, K.B., then Adjutant-General of the Forces. [Sidenote: 1793]