The Duties of a Royal Guardsman

The royal guardsmen are the elite soldiers who protect a monarchy and its residences. They are famous for their distinctive uniforms, ceremonial drills, and stoic demeanor. But what are their actual duties and responsibilities?

The History of the Royal Guards

The royal guards trace their origins back to the 17th century, when King Charles II formed a regiment of loyal troops to guard him during his exile in France. After the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, the regiment returned to England and became known as the Household Troops. Over time, the Household Troops expanded into several regiments, each with their own name, colors, and traditions. Together, they form the Household Division, which is under the command of the Major-General commanding the Household Division.

The Roles of the Royal Guards

The royal guards have two main roles: ceremonial and operational.

Ceremonial Role

The ceremonial role of the royal guards is to provide a visible symbol of the monarchy and its authority. The royal guards perform various ceremonial duties, such as:

• Guarding royal residences. Guards are stationed at the gates and entrances of these locations, and they change shifts every two hours in a formal ceremony known as the Changing of the Guard.
• Escorting the Queen and other members of the royal family on official occasions, such as state visits, investitures, and Trooping the Colour. The guards march in formation, accompanied by a band, and salute the sovereign and the national anthem.
• Participating in state funerals, royal weddings, and other solemn events. The guards form a guard of honor, carry the coffin, or fire a gun salute, depending on the occasion.

The ceremonial role of the royal guards requires a high level of discipline, precision, and professionalism. The guards undergo rigorous training and rehearsals to ensure that they perform their duties flawlessly. The guards also have to maintain their appearance and equipment, such as polishing their boots, buttons, and helmets, and ironing their tunics and trousers.

Operational Role

The operational role of the royal guards is to serve as active soldiers in the British Army. The royal guards are not just ceremonial units, but also combat-ready infantry units that can be deployed to various conflicts and missions around the world. The royal guards have a long and distinguished history of fighting in wars, such as the Napoleonic Wars, the Crimean War, the Boer War, the World Wars, the Falklands War, and the Iraq War. The royal guards have also been involved in peacekeeping and humanitarian operations, such as in Cyprus, Bosnia, Kosovo, Sierra Leone, and Afghanistan.

The operational role of the royal guards requires a high level of courage, skill, and adaptability. The guards undergo intensive training and exercises to prepare them for different scenarios and environments. The guards also have to balance their operational duties with their ceremonial duties, which means that they have to switch between different uniforms, weapons, and routines.

The Challenges of Being a Royal Guardsman

Being a royal guardsman is not an easy job. It involves many challenges and sacrifices, such as:

• Standing still for long periods of time, regardless of the weather, noise, or distractions. The guards have to remain motionless and silent, except for occasional movements and commands. They also have to endure the heat, cold, rain, snow, and wind, as well as the tourists, protesters, and pranksters who may try to provoke them.
• Following strict rules and regulations, both on and off duty. The guards have to obey a code of conduct that governs their behavior, dress, and etiquette. They also have to follow orders from their superiors, without question or hesitation. They also have to respect the traditions and customs of the royal guards.
• Living away from their families and friends, especially when deployed overseas. The guards have to spend long periods of time away from their loved ones, often in dangerous and hostile situations. They also have to cope with the stress, trauma, and injuries that may result from their service. They also have to deal with the transition from military to civilian life, which can be challenging and difficult.

The Rewards of Being a Royal Guardsman

Despite the challenges and hardships, being a royal guardsman also has many rewards and benefits, such as:

• Being part of a prestigious and historic institution, that represents the best of a nation’s values and culture. The guards have the honor and privilege of serving the Queen and the country, and being part of a legacy that spans centuries. They also have the opportunity to witness and participate in many historic and memorable events.
• Being part of a close-knit and supportive community, that shares a common bond and identity. The guards have the camaraderie and friendship of their fellow guardsmen, who are like a second family to them. They also have the support and recognition of the public, who appreciate and respect their service and sacrifice.
• Being part of a diverse and dynamic career, that offers many opportunities and experiences. The guards have the chance to travel and see the world, and to learn and develop new skills and abilities. They also have the chance to advance and progress in their career, and to achieve their personal and professional goals.