Ok so before everyone bombards the comments, we did look up most of the questions that weren't answered in this video 😉. We hope you enjoy this! We learned some really great stuff here! Thank you to all who have & do serve! 🇺🇸❤️🇬🇧 Please drop us a Like.
The royal guard are made up of different regimens, such as the "grenadier guards", "coldstream guards", the "Welsh guards", the "Scots guards", the "Irish guards", and regiments of the household cavalry, each regiment has its own uniform, there are also a variations of length of coat for winter and summer. each of the regiments rotate through ceremonial, combat, and guard duties, as all members of the guards are fully trained and combat ready
Depends on which sections you mean rather as a whole its called the Household Division of the British Army they are regiments within, that includes the 5 regiments of foot Grendiers (take their name from the French Imperial Guard under Napoleon the oldest of the foot guards regiments, their ceremonial company is named Nijmegan (pronounced nymegan)), Coldstream (named after the town called Coldstream in the Scottish Borders and is the oldest continually serving regiment in the army overall, are two ceremonial companies one being No. 21 company), Irish, Scots and Welsh Guards (all of which have their own band with a drum major, who wear the standard clothing when its a member of the royal family's birthday, can mean any member of them not just the Monarch). Reason for the strap being over their chin, isnt used anymore of course (is purely ceremonial) but when someone would go at a solider with a sword its to protect their chin, the same way with a knight, they'd never go into a battle having any area of their head showing, as any opponent could stick a sword in that area and kill them potentially. A sergeants cuffs on the tunics, the wrists of them are embroidered with real thread gold, forgot the taylor's they use (commissioned by the MoD, which is Kashkets in London who make them), but are hand embroidered and alone would cost in the region of at least £300 each, the whole tunic uniform costs the MoD about £3,000. Are hand made for each serving soldier. The Household Cavalry consists of two regiments the Life Guards (Red) and the Blues and Royals (Navy Blue).
The reason why the guards slip over sometimes is because they have hobnails in the souls of their boots to stop their boots wearing out from marching and standing in one place for long periods of time and because most of the grounds round a lot of the royal palaces are old so they're stone cobbled the metal hobnails don't give much grip on that sort of surface hence they don't really trip they slip if you watch closely.
I always e joy watching the Royal Guard knocking disrespectful tourists flying. Some people are so disrespectful and try to make the guards step around them.
The Scots were allies of the French for many years. It was called "The Auld Alliance". There is a Marshal of France who is mentioned on the Arc de Triomphe. He was Marechal MacDonald.
I have a French friend, whenever I see him I greet him with a two finger salute and a shout of Agincourt! I also keep reminding him that William The Conqueror was a viking. We get on well. Most of the time.
My late husband served in the Welsh Guards and did duties at Buckingham Palace, Windsor and the Tower of London amongst other royal residences. He had some wonderful tales to tell. Tourists trying to mess with them was pretty common. Also remembering their service during the Falklands Conflict. The Welsh guards took a big hit when the “Sir Galahad” was bombed. 48 men lost their lives that day, 32 of them being Welsh Guards. ( Rest in Peace) I’m very proud of him and all of the men and women who serve.
I saw a family a male and some younger people "harrassing" the soldier on Guard Duty at Windsor Castle, they where mauling him and wiping their hands on his uniform, which takes many hours to keep spotless. the armewd Police where brought to deal with the matter got their "passports took them to the checkpoint and "banned " from entering again.
I served as a Royal Marine Commando and I loved the Welsh and Scottish lads they were brilliant hard working and capable guys but also generous and funny and I remember on excercise the banter and humour these two groups showed more than most except maybe the scouse lads who could not speak more than a sentence without a wry humorous observation or a joke under the coldest most arduous conditions . Wales and Scotland I salute you with respect from an Englishman .
My Dad was a very proud Welsh Guards man, who served during WWII. He didn't speak about the war, nor what he did. We have since learned somethings, which make us even more proud of him. A Welsh Guards man, from our town, died on Sir Galahad.
My son's in the Coldstream Guards the UKs oldest regiment. He guards both the Palace and Windsor Castle. The other day he was in the hot sun and the Queen sent down a bottle of water with an officer. He was impressed!
The Coldstream Guards are not the oldest regiment. The Grenadiers are senior in the foot guards. The Grenadiers were loyal to the Crown during the Civil War, not like the Coldstream. The Coldstream Guards had to lay down their arms and be reformed after the Civil War.
@@whatistruth8755 The Gobblers may be senior but is an honor given since they actually protected the crown. The Scot’s Guards are actually the oldest in the Household Division
hi! (ex squaddie here) what you ladies have to understand is, we Brits have been doing this sort of stuff in one form or battle or another for nearly a thousand years .... so weve gathered a few traditions along the way. which makes us seem a bit odd and quirky but at the same time very effective! Who would want to fight the British on the battlefield?
I was at The Tower on the 15th when the guard left his post to tell at someone to not sit on the fence, the man didn't move so the guard pushed him off 😂😂 excellent birthday present 😍
@@Greenwood4727 that's what happens with family... But not family, but we'll marry into each other's families but that doesn't make us family cuz you pissed me off that one time when you slept with my brother's wife then tricked her into giving you the house she got in the divorce and then we sorta made up until we brought up that one time we...and you got pissed and, and, and... But don't nobody try and pick on us other than the other cuz we fam'ly and fam'ly can piss off fam'ly but we got each other's backs when anybody else tries it.
@@stephanieellis5399 it even works down to town level, we have a similar thing with a neighbouring town, centuries of rivalry, for an outsider we hate each other, but attack them and you attack us, same with the north and south, it looks like we hate each other, but same with scotland and wales and norther ireland outsiders only see the obvious, but they dont see the love we have deep inside for others in the UK. its what makes us Brits (all of us special),
1, The Scarlet tunic is summer order and the grey (Great Coat) is winter order. 2, The Canadian wildlife authority carries out a bear cull once a year to manage bear populations, and that’s where the army get the bearskins from but mostly for senior and officer ranks now that the majority are synthetic. 3, Other regiments from across the army (and the commonwealth) are invited to carry out Queens Guard duties, especially when Guards regiments have operational commitments elsewhere. 4, The Bearskin cap was actually taken from French grenadiers who wore them so they were instantly recognisable by commanders on the battlefield. 5, I’m a former Coldstream Guard with 18 years service, thanks for the video, it’s always interesting to see other people reacting to what we do/did.
I loved your very respectful way of expressing your understanding and learning about the soldiers who serve in this role within the British Army. As for your confusion regarding the various different uniforms and dress worn by the Guards, it is explained by the fact that the British Army Regiments that make up the Household Cavalry and Guards all wear different uniforms based on various traditions dating back through the history of the individual Regiments and the Battles and Honours they have taken part in and received. Incidentally, over the years the British Armed Forces have been shrunk or been streamlined in line with political expediency, and now Ceremonial Duties (mounting guard at royal residencies and parades) responsibility is shared throughout the Armed Forces, so the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy and non-Guards Regiments from within the British Army now all perform Ceremonial Duties. All the Guards and Cavalry Regiments are first and foremost ‘soldiers’ and that is their main role. However, the Ceremonial Duties is what they are known for. This responsibility is shared amongst the Units within the Household Division and every Unit rotates from Operational Postings, training and Exercises, and Ceremonial Duties. Best wishes from an ex British Air Force and Army veteran.
@@TheNatashaDebbieShow some that might be of interest you, the field gun competition and manning the mast, both naval, another which probably be more for yourselves due to the length is the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance unless you broke it down into segments.
The red tunics are called 'Home Service dress tunics'. These are worn in the summer months - April until October. During autumn and winter they change into great coats - long grey coats - much more practical for the weather they have to endure while standing guard outside Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle.
@@bazcrowther8205 The grey coat isn't a form of dress in the British Army nor across the armies of the Commonwealth, it's just a winter kit as opposed to Scarlets which is a form of the Full Dress. All units could wear the great coat for ceremonials in winter, not every unit wears scarlets. Learn the difference.
@@bazcrowther8205 Have we been talking about the horse guards here? No we have not. Do foot guards wear No. 1 blues for the changing of the guard? No they do not.
The bear skins used by the Guards are from Canada and are a by product of the annual Bear Cull in Canada.Alternatives were trialed but were found to be unsuitable,so they are NOT vegan!
@@Margatatials not true. They tried synthetic products but it doesn't hold up as well as bear fur. They also don't make them offten and they get used for many years before they have to be replaced.
@@Margatatials No. The ranks wear fur from black bears. The officers wear fur from brown bears which is dyed to match the black bear fur (don't ask me why). There is no artificial fur.
Hi Natasha and Debbie, I've watched your reviews for 2 years and RESPECT your respect for the UK, my mams cousin served in the grenadier guards a long time ago! sailing in the merchant navy (late teens) he was advised to join the colours due to his height,6ft 10 during ww2 he wore standard khaki uniform a decent man! All the best John hartlepool uk
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the UK lies in the nave floor of Westminster Abbey. It has no guards and can be freely approached and read. it is protected only by a cordon of a single row of eternal poppies. It is the only tomb in the Abbey floor that may not be trod upon. Every royal bride since 1920 married in the Abbey has her bouquet laid on the tomb the day after.
@@Margatatials Oh, that's even more poignant. I'm from the UK, but I didn't know that. Do you know which Royal Bride it was ? I can only think it was the Queen Mother, just thinking of the dates and the age she would have been Thank you so much for sharing that
Many years ago the late Michael Bentine told a story of a time when he was in the United States and accidentally got his vehicle entangled with some military movement and the policemen on duty nearby gave him a most severe telling off. He related this to a similar incident in central London when he accidentally disrupted an element of the Household Cavalry and feared that the same was going to happen to him again. As it happened, the policeman who stuck his head through his car door simply smiled sadly and said “We’re not having a very good day so far are we sir?’ and sent him on his way.
The Queens Guards are the Grenadier Guards, the Coldstream Guards, the Welsh Guards, the Irish Guards and the Scots Guards on foot, then you have the cavalry the Blues and Royals, and the Household Cavalry. These are the main guards of the Royal Household.
@@ronaldhammer5186The group you are calling the household cavalry are actually called the Life Guards, with both the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals combined to make up the Household Cavalry. All 7 Regiments combine to create the Household Division. Don't forget the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, which aren't part of the Household Division but are very important nonetheless. Also, FYI, the foot guard regiments as you listed are: 1, 2, 5, 4, 3. That's important for recognizing who is who as that is the button arrangement on the front of their tunics and the sleeve cuffs.
Theres a lovely video of a young kid, dressed in the same uniform (apparently already a fan) who saluted as the guards passed by. Their reaction is heart warming
My Uncle Jimmy served in the Irish Guards during the war and up to the 70s. He was an SM at Sandhurst Military College, where officers in the British army (and other armies) are trained. One of his charges was the late King Hussein of Jordan. When my uncle died, King Hussein sent a wreath to the family. He was obviously held in high esteem.
Many years ago I was outside Horseguards in London waiting to watch the daily changing of the guard. The entrance to Horseguards is flanked by two guards. At the prescribed time (11am) the two guards march into the road this is to allow room for the mounted Horseguards to exit. On this particular occasion an approaching motorist who was either not aware of the time or not concentrating screeched to a stop narrowly missing a guard, of course the ceremony continued as if nothing had happened, the discipline was extraordinary, thanks for the respect you give to the military of all countries.
During the video when he was talking about the Changing Of The Guard they were actually showing the Trooping Of The Colour. There's also been some occasions when other regiments have taken on the role of Queens Guards on some occasions including the Parachute Regiment and the Gurkhas, also from other branches of the service. In 2018 during their 100th birthday the Royal Air Force took on the role, I've also seen the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines, I also remember one occasion representatives of the Australian army took part alongside the guards.
@@michaeltaylor9445 Indeed that's one of its titles: _"In the United Kingdom, Trooping the Colour _*_is also known_*_ as the Queen's Birthday Parade"_ (Wikipedia). Please note: "also known", not "actually". The main thing is that the title refers to Trooping "the" Colour (regimental flag), not Trooping "of the" Colour. I think people confuse it with "The Changing of the Guard", a mistake I've sometimes made myself.
@@ftumschk Thank you for your reply. Within the Household Devision it is always referred to as the Queens Birthday Parade (QBP). The Foot Guards are not the only regiment to have their colours on parade, the Household Cavalry and Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery also parade with their Colours and parade past the Queen.
In 2012, as part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations they had various units from around the Commonwealth providing Ceremonial duties. The only civilian organisation to provide ceremonial guards is the RCMP.
The grey uniforms and coats are the winter clothes. The chin straps are deliberate so as to avoid in case of the bearskins are torn in conflict the headgear will fall away easily. It’s a long tradition
The worse thing about the Guards falling over for them is the damage they do to the shine on their boots. They spend hours on bulling to get a mirror like surface to those boots, which needs to be taken back to leather and built back up if it gets scuffed or cracked.
Just to add that the reason there are a few slips is due to the metal studs on the sole of the boot which sounds good while marching but is slippery on cobbles.
To see another side of the royal Guard have a look at a short video of a " boy dressed as British Guard salutes Windsor castle soldier" melts my heart every time I see it. Neil from Wales,
One of the main reasons that bearskins and Shako's were worn were not to intimidate the enemy but to absorb the impact of cavalry swords and sabres which were every foot soldiers night mare, as wounds from cavalry swords were mostly to the head neck and shoulders, which was why epaulettes were worn on infantry mens shoulders also.
Thank you for a most interesting post ladies. The grey uniforms you mentioned are in fact, greatcoats worn over the traditional tunic. The different uniforms are representative of the different Units comprising the Household Division. Also, having worn steel studded parade boots while serving in the Royal Navy (many years ago), I can assure you that it's not difficult to slip and slide in them....😂
I remember watching a really interesting programme about the tomb of The Unknown Soldier. The soldiers guarding the tomb took the role VERY seriously as they should. It was considered a great honour and came with a great sense of pride. They are showing the greatest respect to the many thousands of men who gave their lives for our freedom. I cannot imagine why anybody would disrespect this. If you don't agree with any of it, don't go. Leave the people who do want to pay their respects do so in peace.
The Household Division are made from 5 Infantry Regiments and 2 Cavalry Regiments, Coldstream, Grenadiers, Scots, Welsh and Irish Guards and the Lifeguards and the Blues and Royals being the 2 Cavalry Regiments. Plus, Ceremonial troops include the Kings Troop, Royal Horse Artillery who fire Royal Salutes at on various occasions. These Regiments have regular deployments as active members of the Army, serving wherever the British Army serve - Falklands, Iraq or Afghanistan. The "Royal Guards" are troops from the Household Division who serve a tour on Ceremonial Duties in the capital. All types of units, including Commonwealth units have done duty tours guarding the Royal palaces, Buckingham Palace, St James's, Tower of London and Windsor. As of 13/12/2021 after trials of a fake fur bearskin (failed, waterlogged easily and not robust enough) the Guards still wear real Canadian bear fur - very small numbers purchased as a part of regular culls in Canada - not bears bred actually bred for their fur. Canada also has bearskin wearing Guard!
The Scots Guards had been on ceremonial duties for several months when they were deployed to the Falkland Islands during the conflict with Argentina in 1982. In spite of such a massively difficult turn around, the 2nd battalion SG's successfully took Mount Tumbledown from the entrenched Argentine 5th Marine Infantry Battalion, quite a significant deed when all things are considered.
Hi. Thanks or your videos. I'm in Yorkshire, England and really appreciate your intelligent and very informative comments. The two of you are quite funny as well. Brilliant.
Apart from the infantry Guards, there are two mounted regiments, the Household Cavalry. The ones in the scarlet tunics are the Life Guards and they were on the Royalist side during the English Civil War, the others are known as the Blues and Royals and they were on the Parliamentarian side
Hi Natasha and Debbie, love your channel. You asked about the colour differences in the uniforms. The Scarlett or red tunic is worn in spring and summer, the grey greatcoats are worn in colder weather to keep the guard warm while they are stood still. The curbchain as it’s known on the bearskin was originally designed to prevent sword slashes to the face. Buckingham Palace is also new in the grand scheme of palaces over here, Windsor Castle is over 1000 years old and is family home of the Monarchy.
Ex 2nd Battalion Scots Guards here. The grey greatcoat is worn in winter. The chinstrap (Kerb Chain) was designed to nullify the blow from a cavalry sword.
Hi, I guess you came into this one cold. For a guards regiment it is a great honour to be selected as the queen's guard and this done by transferring her colours at the trooping of the colour. There is tremendous competitive and great warrior spirit between all British guard regiments. The guards have barracks nearby and to watch them change the guard is some thing in itself. I saw a lot of falling down but u derstand British parade boots have a lot of metal nailed to the sole which gives them presence when marching it gets slippy on cobbles and just plain rubber doesn't work. That said you are watching the finest army in the world with battle honours I can't begin to mention but just to understand our genes come from Buodicca (warrior queen 65AD)Norman's, saxons, vikings, Irish celts, Scottish picts and intodays army we even have nepalese (gurkas). It's diverse but good.
Aussie, and actually saw the changing of the guard at the Tomb at Arlington cemetery. What I really remember is the Seargent telling the crowd to be quiet, because it’s a solemn ceremony.
There is a wonderful documentary on the Guards showing the training and day to day life, some episodes are available on youtube you should check it out I think it would interest you both. Love the content as always ladies keep it up.
One thing they showed on that documentary 'The Queen's Guard : A Year In Service' by Channel 5 was that those bearskins are regularly shampooed to keep them fluffy !
I was chanced by the horse Gard's once in Hyde park. They practice on the bridle path there so if you're out riding you have to get out of the way as they don't stop lol
The greatcoats ( or Winter Guard Order) are worn by the Guards on Public Duties from October to March. The precise dates are when the clocks in UK go back one hour in October, and forward one hour in March. The Guards are then back in Summer Guard Order, in Scarlets.
@@TheNatashaDebbieShow you, were, probably like me,,, bought up to have respectful, inquisitve minds, the key word being respect,, I travel the world daily as part of my job.., and respect and understanding the difference are the most important things..
My Dad was a Welsh Guardsman (buttons in sets of 5) and he did guard the royal family and Trooped the Colours twice.... Mum was a QA (Army trained Nurse) very proud of both of my parents!!
Chutzpah is quality audacity, for good or for bad. It derives from the Hebrew word huspäh, meaning "insolence", "cheek" or "audacity". Thus the original Yiddish word has a strongly negative connotation but the form which entered English as a Yiddishism in American English has taken on a broader meaning, having been popularized through vernacular in the media.
Really glad I found your Channel. You show so much respect for our culture. Thank you for that. And do not worry about all that Red Tunic, Grey Coat, Buttons, Welsh, Irish, Scots Guards Trivia... It can drive you mental trying to figure it out. My RSM was a Welsh Guard in his youth. He was proud of his service. The stories he could tell... Most Tourists see Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Soldier. In fact these men are Professional Nut Crushers.
The different uniforms are different regiments (the grey greatcoats aside) of the armed forces - usually Army but the Royal Navy and RAF have also undertaken Royal guard duties. Not all troops performing guard duties are Guardsmen from the Foot or Horse Guards.
The Gurkhas have also performed as royal guards and taken part in the changing of the guard, (few, if any of them would meet the height requirements of the Guards regiments - but don't pick a fight with them, they are not to be messed with).
The Bear skin hats are not "Vegan" as suggested in this clip. They did try some, but the artificial fur failed every time! The bear skins are bought from Canada and each hat costs approximately £2,000 and I believe the last batch was bought was about 2023. (The bear skins are from culled bears, so no bear is killed specifically for this purpose).
Hi Natasha & Debbie, been watching as much of your stuff as I can ... I'm in Devon UK. Have you watched ALLO ALLO ????? All the characters are hilarious, (set in a french cafe WW2, resistance etc, it takes the Mickey out of all nations, British french German Italian ...🤣🤣)
My maternal grandfather, William (Bill) Leadley (1906 - 1967) was a member of the Royal Household Cavalry in the 1930s, the elite of the British army. He wore the same uniform as the soldier in this scene at 12:02 which is unique to the Royal Family. The Household Cavalry are usually mounted on horseback and the horses they ride while on duty at the palaces belong to the monarch. The foot regiments wear the bearskins. My grandfather served with the Royal Tank Corps between 1924 and 1938. They had to be at least 5 feet, 10 inches tall. My grandfather was also an extra in the 1936 film _"The Charge of the Light Brigade."_ All those playing soldiers in that film were actual soldiers in real life and they needed the government's and the King's permission to use them. Duty always had to come first. I love it that you're military loving ladies who love to learn about our veterans, servicemen and armed forces. ❤️
Hello ladies being a Londoner i know a little about the guards. first the grey coats are winter coats red in summer, there different guards, Coldstream , Welch , scots , Irish , tell the difference by the grouping of the buttons or insignia also the flag they carry is the regiments colour which shows all the battles they have been in .keep the good work .Paul from across the pond.
The Grenadier Guards are called that because they believed they had defeated Napoleon’s Grenadiers at Waterloo. In fact they had defeated the Chasseurs de la Garde, but they kept the Grenadier name! The word Welsh has been spelt Welch in the past (Royal Welch Fusiliers), but the Guards regiment has always been the Welsh Guards.
Hi lovely ladies, just scrolling along and found your videos and love your reaction to our British Military. Im a British citizan and PROUD! of our inheritance.
fun fact each of the regiments has a different button position, you can tell which regiment by the amount and location of the buttons, tiny little things like that, most people wont notice and each button has its own insignia, The Guard are PROPER Soldiers, i mean usually coming back from combat areas.. YOU never mess with the guard.
and those are real swords, and they know how to use them. a lot of people think they are just ceremonial but they are more than that, the bear skins come from canada, they are part of a culling system, to stop there being too many bears that would cause problems, so in fact the bears are Protected by the Royals, because they need the fur but only permitted culls
The grey coats are the Winter order of dress, The Bearskin was taken from the French Imperial guard at Waterloo in 1815, the chin strap under the chin was to protect against a sword swipe in battle
The gray "uniform" is an overcoat, worn in cold and/or wet weather. For their ceremonial uniforms, they wear multiple layers so sweat stains do not appear on their uniforms. There are five regiments of Royal Foot Guards (the guys wearing the red tunics and bearskin hats: Coldstream, Welsh, Irish, Grenadier, and Scots), but other units of the military on occasion take up guard duty. The bearskins come from Canadian black bears. The bearskin hats are re-used and some are quite old. They've tried synthetic bearskins in the past, but they aren't naturally water repellant and didn't keep their shape. The pelts come from the annual bear cull in Canada.
Apparently, it's not a chin strap but a chin guard.It's supposedly meant to protect from glancing sword blows from passing cavalry of the time. As it's made of metal that seems plausable.
@@tobytaylor2154 A chin strap would do just that, go under the chin. Don't forget that there were cavalry wielding swords in the middle of a battle. They would attack the easiest part to hit the head and face of an opponent whilst riding past.The chin guard would help to deflect the blow. Or so I'm led to believe.
@@frankhyland6333 they moved the chin straps off the underside of the chin to where it is worn today. The chin strap was worn between the chin and lip for that reason but that's it, there is no nose strap or any other strap, just moved it up and the tradition stayed. I'm fully aware of the reasons of the why's and wherefores. It's a chin strap that has been moved up to protect the chin, not a chin guard, soldiers manipulate their kit all the time.
@@tobytaylor2154 It's a chin or face guard to protect the face not just the chin.As you probably know that is the most vunerable target for a cavalry man to aim for. Anyway, We're both about right.
It's correct name is a curbchain It's kept on by 2 hooks inside the frame of the bearskin so when you're head expands in the heat over you go,keep wiggling your toes and rocking backwards and forwards on your heels and you won't faint
Thank you, Natasha and Debbie, for yet another terrific reaction. You commented on the bear-skin hats. Each hat costs about £650 (~US$835). Each hat (made in Canada) weighs 1.5 pounds, as correctly stated in the video. For comparison, St. Edward's Crown used at Queen Elizabeth's coronation weighs 2.23 kg (4.9 lbs). The Imperial State Crown, which has been worn by Queen Elizabeth for the opening of Parliament, is now carried because of her advancing years and its weight (1.28 kg or 2.8 lbs).
I spent 7 years in the Grenadier Guards and some of the best Soldiers in the world, as comfortable on the parade square and as comfortable on Combat operations. Well done for showing the Guards!
@@charlottecunningham2141 A brilliant question and the Grenadiers and Welsh Guards have plumes made from horsehair and the plumes in bearskins from the Coldstream and Irish Guards are made from feathers. Of course the Scots Guards don't have them.
@@charlottecunningham2141 from what I’ve learned driving these guys (& gals) about, including the Guards bands, the senior the rank, the more fancy the plume so they stand out. The poor Guardsmen (Private) has what I call a stencil paint brush type lol
They are fully trained fighting soldiers people forget that mostly visitors from abroad .some get annoyed when they shout at them but they are the queen soldiers who won't stop marching when people get in the way .
If you're a tourist here and want some pictures, ask one of the beefeaters, they're military veterans too but they're not as strict and are fairly open to questions. Basically if someone looks like they're doing a job leave them alone
Great video, I'm a military kid so was looking forward to explaining regiments etc to you but it's already been done here! The colour that is trooped is the regimental flag that carries all their battle honours which are like a medal awarded to a regiment for bravery etc on the field of combat. An individual soldier will get a medal and the regiment or corps gets a name on the colour. Old colours are laid to rest quite ceremonially usually near the regimental hq in a church or similar. A lot of the guards regiments old colours are in Westminster, well worth a visit. My local regiment is Cheshire and when they were amalgamated into the Mercian regiment their old colour was laid to rest in chester cathedral. Its treated almost like a funeral as many soldiers would follow theirs colours into battle and might loose their life, so you can see why the flags are treated with such respect.
I am ex second battalion Grenadier Guards most of the facts in this video are incorrect. The grey colour are the winter uniforms its called Great coat order and is worn from Sept through winter. Anything else I can help with let me know.
Some of the scenes in this are actually from the annual Trooping the Colour Parade held in June every year. The grey overcoats you see are just what's worn over the red uniforms in the winter months.
Because the queen is not only the queen of the UK, but also the Commonwealth, there have been guards from all over the Commonwealth, including Australians and New Zealanders
The (Flares) Wings are to signify the band from the infantry, the grey greatcoats are qorn when in the colder months, hope I helped a bit. Also the Queen’s Guard (Not Royal Guard that is another countries thing) Is made of 7 Regiments, The Grenadier Guards (White plumes in bearskins and other features like collar badges being grenades) The Coldstream Guards (Red Plumes and collar badges are their rrgimental bagde, looks like a star and buttons in groups of 2) The Scots Guards (No plumes and buttons in groups of 3 and their collar badge is a thistle) The Irish Guards (Blue Plumes and buttons in 4, Collar badge is a kind if star) The Welsh Guards (Buttons in 5 and Green White Green plumes, collar badge is a leek) That ends the foot guards, the mounted and dismounted soldiers at horse guards are from 2 Regiments: The Life Guards (Red Tunics, Helmets have white drapes) and The Blues & Royals (Blue Tunics with Red drapes) If you see other uniforms it is because sometimes other regiments from our armed forces are allowed to have the honoured position of the queen’s guard for a short amount of time, say a few weeks or months.
The strap doesn't go under the chin because, in actual warfare, the shock of an explosion might blow a helmet off. You wouldn't want the head to go with it.
@@JimGraham123 Ah, thanks. I think the helmet strap explanation applies. (I used to have a boss who was a former CSM - great fund of stories) but if it's different for the bearskin.
Ex coldstream guard 💂♂️ here happy to answer any questions you may have. Love the videos ladies keep up the great work. Good to see you show a interest in other cultures..
On Thursday 2nd of June this year at 10am UK Time it's the Trooping of the Colour where hundreds of Guards will March and Parade for her majesty the Queen, it's very very impressive to watch you should be able to view it on US TV networks
The red coats are basically summer coats. Used from April to October Grey are heavier winter coats. My best friends older brother was a royal GUARD. He said it was the worst hell on earth every day for 2 years. He did say though that they are allowed to respond to the queen if she addressed them. He said that he met her twice and she was really lovely. Very friendly.
Natasha & Debbie, the "Grey" overcoat you saw is known as a 'British Warm', & was traditionally worn in winter campaigns, stretching back over two centuries. The epaulettes that Debbie observed are all different - depending upon which Guards Regt you belong to; the one particular epaulette that projects from the shoulder belongs to the Irish Guards - & my uncle served with them - he was 6' 5" tall, so with the bearskin atop, he was close to eight feet in height. There are also Scots Guards, Welsh Guards, & Coldstream Guards - all rotate to guard the Queen's residences; outside the main body of those regt's, the Ghurkas (Nepalese), & the Royal Navy have kept the Queen safe, too. In terms of Royal households, Windsor Castle is the principal palace, then Buckingham Palace, Balmoral (Scotland), & Sandringham - a countryside retreat. In truth, it's not the best representation of the Guards, but there are more informative videos on UA-cam. Take care & stay safe, Andrew
During my apprenticeship as a boy entrant to become an aircraft engine fitter in the Royal Air Force, we were taken into London as part of the remembrance day parade at the cenotaph. Afterwards we were taken to line the route for the Queen going to Windsor Castle. The Public / Tourists, thought it highly amusing to tie one of the guy’s bootlaces together when he was stood to attention. When stood for a long time, we were shown how to concentrate our weight on to one foot, allowing the other leg & foot to rest & then on the other foot. Steel studded boots are incredibly slippery on concrete. 🙏
To your comments about not bothering the Queen's Guards. Amen. I am an American Soldier and have served with my British Brothers and Sisters at various times they have a rich culture and tradition that I love to learn about and respect. They don't need that from tourists who think of it as a big joke.
I took my sister to London once and we caught a bit of the changing of the guard . The number of tourists who dick about and think the queen's guard are just toy soldiers is alarming . Once saw an Asian tourist stand right next to one of the household cavalry despite a big sign saying to stand clear because they're not pet horses . When I saw its ears go down I though they'd have to call an ambulance . Fortunately she backed off
One of the reasons you see the Guards slip and fall is that the highly polished boots worn are leather soled and have a 13 metal stud patern on each boot and horse shoe style plates on the heels. This make it expecially slippery when marching on cobbled roads or in the wet
Natasha and Debbie - Policemen who wore helmets with a strap also wore them exactly the same way. This helps them to stop getting strangled if they are involved in a fight with criminals when the helmets fall off backwards and the straps go around the throat. Wearing the straps like they do now, the helmet just falls off without any danger to the guard or the then policemen. They are all different regiments who have different uniforms.
The official name is the Household Division and the soldiers in the scarlet tunics and bearskin hats are the Foot Guards, made up of five regiments. The Grenadier Guards, the Coldstream Guards, the Scots Guards, the Irish Guards, and the Welsh Guards. The Coldstream Guards are also the oldest continuously serving regiment in the British Army, they originated as part of Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army for the Parliamentary side of the English Civil War in 1650.
Coldstream guards only became the oldest in 2006 when the Royal Scots were amalgamated,they still kinda exist as the first battalion of the Scottish Regiment as the Royal Scots borderers.They were originally formed in 1633!
I usually go every single year to the Trooping of the Colour, for very many years, doing a 400 mile return journey in order to do so. and unfortunately due to Covid it hasn't taken place.
Also if you count what used to be called the T.A. then The Honourable Artillery Company are the oldest active infantry regiment in the British Army (raised in about 1537).
Originally the guards were posted outside the fence at Buckingham Palace, but they were later moved to their current positions to get them away from constant harassment from the tourists, etc. Many British units besides the Guards (and some from Commonwealth countries) have performed the Changing of the Guard ceremony as well.
Hey Ladies, I have a friend who's an officer in the Grenadier Guards and has done a number of stints as a Royal guard (Usually it's split between 6/7 different armed force divisions for 2/3 weeks at a time). I've even tried on one of those bearskin hats and can confirm they're bloody heavy! The grey uniforms are just overcoats worn on the coldest of days over their usual Red tunics. Unfortunately there's been an increase of people messing with the guards in recent years maybe due to social media. So much so they installed about 8 years ago small barriers or chain link fencing around guards positions so that people could get close enough to take a photo but not start messing with them. Unfortunately some people are still willing to jump these!
The reason they slip is also because the British forces wear hobnailed boots which can make it very slippery at times depending on the surface. They were also great for sliding in, the hobnails also give the distinctive crack sound when marching and coming to attention (army and air force only) we in the royal navy had more sense and slide the feet together.
The footguards are Grenadier Guards (white plume on the left of the helmet buttons are singly spaced), Coldstream Guards (red plume buttons are in pairs), Scots Guards (no plume buttons are in the threes), Irish Guards (blue plume buttons are in fours) and Welsh Guards (white-green- green plume buttons are in fives) they guard Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, St James Palace and Windsor, Horseguards are The Lifeguards (Red tunics) and The Blues and Royals they are on guard at Horseguards Parade. The footguards you can tell the difference by the number of buttons on their tunics also the plume in their helmets and the badge on their collars and on their shoulders. The bearskins come from Canada, fake fur doesn’t have the right look like real fur so only real fur is used., there is a video on UA-cam that does state that. The foot and horseguards meet on the mall the horseguards look right while the footguards present arms or hype in the case of The Grenadier Guards. There is a tv series on UA-cam that follows the guards. The grey coats are autumn/winter uniform while the red tunics is spring/summer uniform.
Ok so before everyone bombards the comments, we did look up most of the questions that weren't answered in this video 😉. We hope you enjoy this! We learned some really great stuff here! Thank you to all who have & do serve! 🇺🇸❤️🇬🇧 Please drop us a Like.
The royal guard are made up of different regimens, such as the "grenadier guards", "coldstream guards", the "Welsh guards", the "Scots guards", the "Irish guards", and regiments of the household cavalry, each regiment has its own uniform, there are also a variations of length of coat for winter and summer. each of the regiments rotate through ceremonial, combat, and guard duties, as all members of the guards are fully trained and combat ready
Depends on which sections you mean rather as a whole its called the Household Division of the British Army they are regiments within, that includes the 5 regiments of foot Grendiers (take their name from the French Imperial Guard under Napoleon the oldest of the foot guards regiments, their ceremonial company is named Nijmegan (pronounced nymegan)), Coldstream (named after the town called Coldstream in the Scottish Borders and is the oldest continually serving regiment in the army overall, are two ceremonial companies one being No. 21 company), Irish, Scots and Welsh Guards (all of which have their own band with a drum major, who wear the standard clothing when its a member of the royal family's birthday, can mean any member of them not just the Monarch).
Reason for the strap being over their chin, isnt used anymore of course (is purely ceremonial) but when someone would go at a solider with a sword its to protect their chin, the same way with a knight, they'd never go into a battle having any area of their head showing, as any opponent could stick a sword in that area and kill them potentially.
A sergeants cuffs on the tunics, the wrists of them are embroidered with real thread gold, forgot the taylor's they use (commissioned by the MoD, which is Kashkets in London who make them), but are hand embroidered and alone would cost in the region of at least £300 each, the whole tunic uniform costs the MoD about £3,000. Are hand made for each serving soldier.
The Household Cavalry consists of two regiments the Life Guards (Red) and the Blues and Royals (Navy Blue).
The reason why the guards slip over sometimes is because they have hobnails in the souls of their boots to stop their boots wearing out from marching and standing in one place for long periods of time and because most of the grounds round a lot of the royal palaces are old so they're stone cobbled the metal hobnails don't give much grip on that sort of surface hence they don't really trip they slip if you watch closely.
I always e joy watching the Royal Guard knocking disrespectful tourists flying. Some people are so disrespectful and try to make the guards step around them.
@@vladangelus7530 Aye, makes it even worse if its raining
We English have been annoying the French for a thousand years. It's like a national sport
The Scots were allies of the French for many years. It was called "The Auld Alliance". There is a Marshal of France who is mentioned on the Arc de Triomphe. He was Marechal MacDonald.
and vice verca ...allo allo!!
I like to think of it as a series of cheese and wine cruises.
French, yous have been annoying more than the French for hundreds of years
I have a French friend, whenever I see him I greet him with a two finger salute and a shout of Agincourt! I also keep reminding him that William The Conqueror was a viking. We get on well. Most of the time.
What many tourists seem to forget sometimes they are not just for “ show”, they are fully trained,serving soldiers,the guns are real folks.
They really are. They split their time between front line combat and ceremonial duties. They call this duty 'the green and the red'.
It's not just the skin but the uniform is made of wool so it can get really hot
But the guns are not loaded.
@@paulcorcoran7295 yes they are, more often than you think.
@@paulcorcoran7295 my friend they are loaded. At all times
My late husband served in the Welsh Guards and did duties at Buckingham Palace, Windsor and the Tower of London amongst other royal residences. He had some wonderful tales to tell. Tourists trying to mess with them was pretty common. Also remembering their service during the Falklands Conflict. The Welsh guards took a big hit when the “Sir Galahad” was bombed. 48 men lost their lives that day, 32 of them being Welsh Guards. ( Rest in Peace)
I’m very proud of him and all of the men and women who serve.
I saw a family a male and some younger people "harrassing" the soldier on Guard Duty at Windsor Castle, they where mauling him and wiping their hands on his uniform, which takes many hours to keep spotless. the armewd Police where brought to deal with the matter got their "passports took them to the checkpoint and "banned " from entering again.
You are absolutely right to be proud. 💖
I served as a Royal Marine Commando and I loved the Welsh and Scottish lads they were brilliant hard working and capable guys but also generous and funny and I remember on excercise the banter and humour these two groups showed more than most except maybe the scouse lads who could not speak more than a sentence without a wry humorous observation or a joke under the coldest most arduous conditions . Wales and Scotland I salute you with respect from an Englishman .
My dad was Welsh Guards as well xxx He left before the Falklands but I lost friends on the Galahad xx
My Dad was a very proud Welsh Guards man, who served during WWII. He didn't speak about the war, nor what he did. We have since learned somethings, which make us even more proud of him.
A Welsh Guards man, from our town, died on Sir Galahad.
My son's in the Coldstream Guards the UKs oldest regiment. He guards both the Palace and Windsor Castle. The other day he was in the hot sun and the Queen sent down a bottle of water with an officer. He was impressed!
The Coldstream Guards are not the oldest regiment. The Grenadiers are senior in the foot guards. The Grenadiers were loyal to the Crown during the Civil War, not like the Coldstream. The Coldstream Guards had to lay down their arms and be reformed after the Civil War.
Utmost respect to your son 🇬🇧
@@whatistruth8755 actually we ARE the oldest in CONTINIOUS SERVICE
@@whatistruth8755 The Gobblers may be senior but is an honor given since they actually protected the crown. The Scot’s Guards are actually the oldest in the Household Division
@@dabsy123 formed in 1642 long before the sheepshagers or the gobblers
hi! (ex squaddie here) what you ladies have to understand is, we Brits have been doing this sort of stuff in one form or battle or another for nearly a thousand years .... so weve gathered a few traditions along the way. which makes us seem a bit odd and quirky but at the same time very effective! Who would want to fight the British on the battlefield?
What unit were you with? I'm ex RAMC.
Only idiots! The British armed Forces are highly respected.
Ex royal engineer just saying hi 😁
@@clayhead12000 REME.
@@andrewjohnston4127 i think we have all lived in the mud at one time or another so.... Hello you!
I was at The Tower on the 15th when the guard left his post to tell at someone to not sit on the fence, the man didn't move so the guard pushed him off 😂😂 excellent birthday present 😍
"Just to piss off the French..."
And now, ladies, you fully understand the British
Lol. About a thousand years of antagonizing each other, eh?
@@stephanieellis5399 we have a COmplicated relationship with france LOL
@@Greenwood4727 that's what happens with family... But not family, but we'll marry into each other's families but that doesn't make us family cuz you pissed me off that one time when you slept with my brother's wife then tricked her into giving you the house she got in the divorce and then we sorta made up until we brought up that one time we...and you got pissed and, and, and... But don't nobody try and pick on us other than the other cuz we fam'ly and fam'ly can piss off fam'ly but we got each other's backs when anybody else tries it.
@@stephanieellis5399 it even works down to town level, we have a similar thing with a neighbouring town, centuries of rivalry, for an outsider we hate each other, but attack them and you attack us, same with the north and south, it looks like we hate each other, but same with scotland and wales and norther ireland outsiders only see the obvious, but they dont see the love we have deep inside for others in the UK. its what makes us Brits (all of us special),
@@Greenwood4727 did I get it just about right, though?
1, The Scarlet tunic is summer order and the grey (Great Coat) is winter order.
2, The Canadian wildlife authority carries out a bear cull once a year to manage bear populations, and that’s where the army get the bearskins from but mostly for senior and officer ranks now that the majority are synthetic.
3, Other regiments from across the army (and the commonwealth) are invited to carry out Queens Guard duties, especially when Guards regiments have operational commitments elsewhere.
4, The Bearskin cap was actually taken from French grenadiers who wore them so they were instantly recognisable by commanders on the battlefield.
5, I’m a former Coldstream Guard with 18 years service, thanks for the video, it’s always interesting to see other people reacting to what we do/did.
I loved your very respectful way of expressing your understanding and learning about the soldiers who serve in this role within the British Army. As for your confusion regarding the various different uniforms and dress worn by the Guards, it is explained by the fact that the British Army Regiments that make up the Household Cavalry and Guards all wear different uniforms based on various traditions dating back through the history of the individual Regiments and the Battles and Honours they have taken part in and received. Incidentally, over the years the British Armed Forces have been shrunk or been streamlined in line with political expediency, and now Ceremonial Duties (mounting guard at royal residencies and parades) responsibility is shared throughout the Armed Forces, so the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy and non-Guards Regiments from within the British Army now all perform Ceremonial Duties.
All the Guards and Cavalry Regiments are first and foremost ‘soldiers’ and that is their main role. However, the Ceremonial Duties is what they are known for. This responsibility is shared amongst the Units within the Household Division and every Unit rotates from Operational Postings, training and Exercises, and Ceremonial Duties.
Best wishes from an ex British Air Force and Army veteran.
Thank you for your service
The Royal Gibraltar Regiment provided the Guard a few weeks ago. The RCMP have also provided guards.
@@TheNatashaDebbieShow some that might be of interest you, the field gun competition and manning the mast, both naval, another which probably be more for yourselves due to the length is the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance unless you broke it down into segments.
The red tunics are called 'Home Service dress tunics'. These are worn in the summer months - April until October. During autumn and winter they change into great coats - long grey coats - much more practical for the weather they have to endure while standing guard outside Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle.
Except that nobody who is actually in the business would use such a convoluted term as "Home Service Dress Tunics". It's just Full Dress or Scarlets.
@@alvindurochermtl type in difference between red coat and grey coat see what it says
@@bazcrowther8205 The grey coat isn't a form of dress in the British Army nor across the armies of the Commonwealth, it's just a winter kit as opposed to Scarlets which is a form of the Full Dress. All units could wear the great coat for ceremonials in winter, not every unit wears scarlets. Learn the difference.
@@alvindurochermtl I know the difference my cousin is in the royal horse guards they wear blue
@@bazcrowther8205 Have we been talking about the horse guards here? No we have not. Do foot guards wear No. 1 blues for the changing of the guard? No they do not.
The bear skins used by the Guards are from Canada and are a by product of the annual Bear Cull in Canada.Alternatives were trialed but were found to be unsuitable,so they are NOT vegan!
Was just going to post this xx
@@Margatatials not true. They tried synthetic products but it doesn't hold up as well as bear fur. They also don't make them offten and they get used for many years before they have to be replaced.
@@Margatatials No. The ranks wear fur from black bears. The officers wear fur from brown bears which is dyed to match the black bear fur (don't ask me why). There is no artificial fur.
@@MrBulky992 you are correct. they tried with artificial fur but went back to bearskin.
Hi Natasha and Debbie, I've watched your reviews for 2 years and RESPECT your respect for the UK, my mams cousin served in the grenadier guards a long time ago! sailing in the merchant navy (late teens) he was advised to join the colours due to his height,6ft 10 during ww2 he wore standard khaki uniform a decent man! All the best John hartlepool uk
The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the UK lies in the nave floor of Westminster Abbey. It has no guards and can be freely approached and read. it is protected only by a cordon of a single row of eternal poppies. It is the only tomb in the Abbey floor that may not be trod upon. Every royal bride since 1920 married in the Abbey has her bouquet laid on the tomb the day after.
They meant the American one look on UA-cam to see the same types of stupidity and short shrift from the guard.
What a lovely and respectful tradition 💖
@@Macbeth99 its started with a royal bride who's brother had recently died in war
@@Margatatials Oh, that's even more poignant.
I'm from the UK, but I didn't know that.
Do you know which Royal Bride it was ? I can only think it was the Queen Mother, just thinking of the dates and the age she would have been
Thank you so much for sharing that
@@Macbeth99 yeah It was the queen other, her brother Angus I think died in wwi
Many years ago the late Michael Bentine told a story of a time when he was in the United States and accidentally got his vehicle entangled with some military movement and the policemen on duty nearby gave him a most severe telling off. He related this to a similar incident in central London when he accidentally disrupted an element of the Household Cavalry and feared that the same was going to happen to him again. As it happened, the policeman who stuck his head through his car door simply smiled sadly and said “We’re not having a very good day so far are we sir?’ and sent him on his way.
The Queens Guards are the Grenadier Guards, the Coldstream Guards, the Welsh Guards, the Irish Guards and the Scots Guards on foot, then you have the cavalry the Blues and Royals, and the Household Cavalry. These are the main guards of the Royal Household.
@@ronaldhammer5186The group you are calling the household cavalry are actually called the Life Guards, with both the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals combined to make up the Household Cavalry. All 7 Regiments combine to create the Household Division. Don't forget the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, which aren't part of the Household Division but are very important nonetheless. Also, FYI, the foot guard regiments as you listed are: 1, 2, 5, 4, 3. That's important for recognizing who is who as that is the button arrangement on the front of their tunics and the sleeve cuffs.
My family has/had 5 cousins who were all over 6’5” and they were all Welsh Guards.
Theres a lovely video of a young kid, dressed in the same uniform (apparently already a fan) who saluted as the guards passed by. Their reaction is heart warming
My Uncle Jimmy served in the Irish Guards during the war and up to the 70s. He was an SM at Sandhurst Military College, where officers in the British army (and other armies) are trained. One of his charges was the late King Hussein of Jordan. When my uncle died, King Hussein sent a wreath to the family. He was obviously held in high esteem.
RiP to your Uncle & that's epic
Many years ago I was outside Horseguards in London waiting to watch the daily changing of the guard.
The entrance to Horseguards is flanked by two guards. At the prescribed time (11am) the two guards march into the road this is to allow room for the mounted Horseguards to exit. On this particular occasion an approaching motorist who was either not aware of the time or not concentrating screeched to a stop narrowly missing a guard, of course the ceremony continued as if nothing had happened, the discipline was extraordinary, thanks for the respect you give to the military of all countries.
During the video when he was talking about the Changing Of The Guard they were actually showing the Trooping Of The Colour. There's also been some occasions when other regiments have taken on the role of Queens Guards on some occasions including the Parachute Regiment and the Gurkhas, also from other branches of the service. In 2018 during their 100th birthday the Royal Air Force took on the role, I've also seen the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines, I also remember one occasion representatives of the Australian army took part alongside the guards.
Correct, although strictly-speaking it's "Trooping the Colour", not "Trooping OF the Colour".
@@ftumschk it is actually called the Queens Birthday Parade.
@@michaeltaylor9445 Indeed that's one of its titles: _"In the United Kingdom, Trooping the Colour _*_is also known_*_ as the Queen's Birthday Parade"_ (Wikipedia). Please note: "also known", not "actually". The main thing is that the title refers to Trooping "the" Colour (regimental flag), not Trooping "of the" Colour.
I think people confuse it with "The Changing of the Guard", a mistake I've sometimes made myself.
@@ftumschk Thank you for your reply. Within the Household Devision it is always referred to as the Queens Birthday Parade (QBP). The Foot Guards are not the only regiment to have their colours on parade, the Household Cavalry and Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery also parade with their Colours and parade past the Queen.
In 2012, as part of the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations they had various units from around the Commonwealth providing Ceremonial duties. The only civilian organisation to provide ceremonial guards is the RCMP.
The grey uniforms and coats are the winter clothes. The chin straps are deliberate so as to avoid in case of the bearskins are torn in conflict the headgear will fall away easily. It’s a long tradition
The worse thing about the Guards falling over for them is the damage they do to the shine on their boots. They spend hours on bulling to get a mirror like surface to those boots, which needs to be taken back to leather and built back up if it gets scuffed or cracked.
Just to add that the reason there are a few slips is due to the metal studs on the sole of the boot which sounds good while marching but is slippery on cobbles.
Great reaction ladies.
Hi from England, I love your respect and interest.
Keep up the great work 👍
To see another side of the royal Guard have a look at a short video of a " boy dressed as British Guard salutes Windsor castle soldier" melts my heart every time I see it. Neil from Wales,
One of the main reasons that bearskins and Shako's were worn were not to intimidate the enemy but to absorb the impact of cavalry swords and sabres which were every foot soldiers night mare, as wounds from cavalry swords were mostly to the head neck and shoulders, which was why epaulettes were worn on infantry mens shoulders also.
Thank you for a most interesting post ladies. The grey uniforms you mentioned are in fact, greatcoats worn over the traditional tunic.
The different uniforms are representative of the different Units comprising the Household Division.
Also, having worn steel studded parade boots while serving in the Royal Navy (many years ago), I can assure you that it's not difficult to slip and slide in them....😂
Yes,especially on wet cobbles!
I remember watching a really interesting programme about the tomb of The Unknown Soldier.
The soldiers guarding the tomb took the role VERY seriously as they should. It was considered a great honour and came with a great sense of pride.
They are showing the greatest respect to the many thousands of men who gave their lives for our freedom.
I cannot imagine why anybody would disrespect this. If you don't agree with any of it, don't go. Leave the people who do want to pay their respects do so in peace.
The Household Division are made from 5 Infantry Regiments and 2 Cavalry Regiments, Coldstream, Grenadiers, Scots, Welsh and Irish Guards and the Lifeguards and the Blues and Royals being the 2 Cavalry Regiments. Plus, Ceremonial troops include the Kings Troop, Royal Horse Artillery who fire Royal Salutes at on various occasions. These Regiments have regular deployments as active members of the Army, serving wherever the British Army serve - Falklands, Iraq or Afghanistan. The "Royal Guards" are troops from the Household Division who serve a tour on Ceremonial Duties in the capital. All types of units, including Commonwealth units have done duty tours guarding the Royal palaces, Buckingham Palace, St James's, Tower of London and Windsor. As of 13/12/2021 after trials of a fake fur bearskin (failed, waterlogged easily and not robust enough) the Guards still wear real Canadian bear fur - very small numbers purchased as a part of regular culls in Canada - not bears bred actually bred for their fur. Canada also has bearskin wearing Guard!
Let me fix that, Grenadiers, Coldstream, Scots, Irish, and Welsh.
I happened by accident on your channel and how pleased am I that I did. I've enjoyed my journey through some of your videos.
Thanks so much Robin!! We are honored to have you! ❤️
The Scots Guards had been on ceremonial duties for several months when they were deployed to the Falkland Islands during the conflict with Argentina in 1982. In spite of such a massively difficult turn around, the 2nd battalion SG's successfully took Mount Tumbledown from the entrenched Argentine 5th Marine Infantry Battalion, quite a significant deed when all things are considered.
Hi. Thanks or your videos. I'm in Yorkshire, England and really appreciate your intelligent and very informative comments. The two of you are quite funny as well. Brilliant.
Apart from the infantry Guards, there are two mounted regiments, the Household Cavalry. The ones in the scarlet tunics are the Life Guards and they were on the Royalist side during the English Civil War, the others are known as the Blues and Royals and they were on the Parliamentarian side
the life guards and blues and royals didn't exist during the civil war the life guards were formed in 1660 and blues and royals in 1669
Thank you for clarifying that- I’m a Brit and wasn’t aware of the history. Fascinating!
Hi Natasha and Debbie, love your channel. You asked about the colour differences in the uniforms. The Scarlett or red tunic is worn in spring and summer, the grey greatcoats are worn in colder weather to keep the guard warm while they are stood still. The curbchain as it’s known on the bearskin was originally designed to prevent sword slashes to the face. Buckingham Palace is also new in the grand scheme of palaces over here, Windsor Castle is over 1000 years old and is family home of the Monarchy.
Hi Ladies. I was a member of the armed forces and served in the Royal Air Force for 22 years
Nice. I was Royal Army Medical Corps for 13 years.
Thank you for your service!!
Ex 2nd Battalion Scots Guards here. The grey greatcoat is worn in winter. The chinstrap (Kerb Chain) was designed to nullify the blow from a cavalry sword.
Hi, I guess you came into this one cold. For a guards regiment it is a great honour to be selected as the queen's guard and this done by transferring her colours at the trooping of the colour. There is tremendous competitive and great warrior spirit between all British guard regiments. The guards have barracks nearby and to watch them change the guard is some thing in itself. I saw a lot of falling down but u derstand British parade boots have a lot of metal nailed to the sole which gives them presence when marching it gets slippy on cobbles and just plain rubber doesn't work. That said you are watching the finest army in the world with battle honours I can't begin to mention but just to understand our genes come from Buodicca (warrior queen 65AD)Norman's, saxons, vikings, Irish celts, Scottish picts and intodays army we even have nepalese (gurkas).
It's diverse but good.
Aussie, and actually saw the changing of the guard at the Tomb at Arlington cemetery. What I really remember is the Seargent telling the crowd to be quiet, because it’s a solemn ceremony.
There is a wonderful documentary on the Guards showing the training and day to day life, some episodes are available on youtube you should check it out I think it would interest you both. Love the content as always ladies keep it up.
One thing they showed on that documentary 'The Queen's Guard : A Year In Service' by Channel 5 was that those bearskins are regularly shampooed to keep them fluffy !
I was chanced by the horse Gard's once in Hyde park. They practice on the bridle path there so if you're out riding you have to get out of the way as they don't stop lol
The greatcoats ( or Winter Guard Order) are worn by the Guards on Public Duties from October to March. The precise dates are when the clocks in UK go back one hour in October, and forward one hour in March. The Guards are then back in Summer Guard Order, in Scarlets.
Bit of extra info. They actually are scarlet, it was a more expensive shade before synthetic dyes. Other British soldiers' uniforms were madder red.
The Gurhka Army which is apart of The British Army are the most fearless in combat. Just wanted to give the Gurkha a shout out.
Your comments are spot on,, we now have a generation a lot of whom believe they can do what they want,,
It's sad and vile. We can do better because we are better
@@TheNatashaDebbieShow you, were, probably like me,,, bought up to have respectful, inquisitve minds, the key word being respect,, I travel the world daily as part of my job.., and respect and understanding the difference are the most important things..
Amen
My Dad was a Welsh Guardsman (buttons in sets of 5) and he did guard the royal family and Trooped the Colours twice.... Mum was a QA (Army trained Nurse) very proud of both of my parents!!
Respect also to the sentinels guarding the tomb of the unknown
Thank you!! ❤️ ❤️
Chutzpah is quality audacity, for good or for bad. It derives from the Hebrew word huspäh, meaning "insolence", "cheek" or "audacity". Thus the original Yiddish word has a strongly negative connotation but the form which entered English as a Yiddishism in American English has taken on a broader meaning, having been popularized through vernacular in the media.
Really glad I found your Channel. You show so much respect for our culture. Thank you for that. And do not worry about all that Red Tunic, Grey Coat, Buttons, Welsh, Irish, Scots Guards Trivia... It can drive you mental trying to figure it out. My RSM was a Welsh Guard in his youth. He was proud of his service. The stories he could tell... Most Tourists see Tchaikovsky's Nutcracker Soldier. In fact these men are Professional Nut Crushers.
3:27 is from 'Guarding the queen' (so adorable where the guardsmans sister stands by him and subtly he holds her hand) melt your heart ,did mine
Grey uniform is their winter uniform and Red (it looks orange) is summer uniform
The strap was to confuse attackers (this was what soldiers wore in the 1800's and from cavalry the slash would actually miss)
id assumed anything other than the red (or grey in winter) are actually different regiments
The different uniforms are different regiments (the grey greatcoats aside) of the armed forces - usually Army but the Royal Navy and RAF have also undertaken Royal guard duties. Not all troops performing guard duties are Guardsmen from the Foot or Horse Guards.
The Gurkhas have also performed as royal guards and taken part in the changing of the guard, (few, if any of them would meet the height requirements of the Guards regiments - but don't pick a fight with them, they are not to be messed with).
@@terryloveuk fully agree. My wife's grandfather was a Gurkha Officer during WW2. Tough as old boots. His only complaint was that they couldn't swim.
@RR Continued yes.
The Bear skin hats are not "Vegan" as suggested in this clip. They did try some, but the artificial fur failed every time! The bear skins are bought from Canada and each hat costs approximately £2,000 and I believe the last batch was bought was about 2023. (The bear skins are from culled bears, so no bear is killed specifically for this purpose).
The British never fail to disappoint everything they do is just perfect
Hi Natasha & Debbie, been watching as much of your stuff as I can ... I'm in Devon UK. Have you watched ALLO ALLO ????? All the characters are hilarious, (set in a french cafe WW2, resistance etc, it takes the Mickey out of all nations, British french German Italian ...🤣🤣)
Really enjoyed this one, my dad was a Grenadier Guard when the Queen was a young girl.
My maternal grandfather, William (Bill) Leadley (1906 - 1967) was a member of the Royal Household Cavalry in the 1930s, the elite of the British army. He wore the same uniform as the soldier in this scene at 12:02 which is unique to the Royal Family. The Household Cavalry are usually mounted on horseback and the horses they ride while on duty at the palaces belong to the monarch. The foot regiments wear the bearskins. My grandfather served with the Royal Tank Corps between 1924 and 1938. They had to be at least 5 feet, 10 inches tall. My grandfather was also an extra in the 1936 film _"The Charge of the Light Brigade."_ All those playing soldiers in that film were actual soldiers in real life and they needed the government's and the King's permission to use them. Duty always had to come first.
I love it that you're military loving ladies who love to learn about our veterans, servicemen and armed forces. ❤️
Royal Navy, and RAF, have also stood Guard. They spend two years as Ceremonial soldiers then in rota back to front-line duties.
Awesome video, I learnt so much... you ladies are the best to learn with... only you.
Hello ladies being a Londoner i know a little about the guards. first the grey coats are winter coats red in summer, there different guards, Coldstream , Welch , scots , Irish , tell the difference by the
grouping of the buttons or insignia also the flag they carry is the regiments colour which shows all the battles they have been in .keep the good work .Paul from across the pond.
You gotta watch out for those Welches !
The Grenadier Guards are called that because they believed they had defeated Napoleon’s Grenadiers at Waterloo. In fact they had defeated the Chasseurs de la Garde, but they kept the Grenadier name!
The word Welsh has been spelt Welch in the past (Royal Welch Fusiliers), but the Guards regiment has always been the Welsh Guards.
Hi lovely ladies, just scrolling along and found your videos and love your reaction to our British Military. Im a British citizan and PROUD! of our inheritance.
fun fact each of the regiments has a different button position, you can tell which regiment by the amount and location of the buttons, tiny little things like that, most people wont notice and each button has its own insignia, The Guard are PROPER Soldiers, i mean usually coming back from combat areas.. YOU never mess with the guard.
and those are real swords, and they know how to use them. a lot of people think they are just ceremonial but they are more than that, the bear skins come from canada, they are part of a culling system, to stop there being too many bears that would cause problems, so in fact the bears are Protected by the Royals, because they need the fur but only permitted culls
I think the bear hat strap placement will have to do with balancing the weight of the hat. Just a guess.
The grey coats are the Winter order of dress, The Bearskin was taken from the French Imperial guard at Waterloo in 1815, the chin strap under the chin was to protect against a sword swipe in battle
The gray "uniform" is an overcoat, worn in cold and/or wet weather.
For their ceremonial uniforms, they wear multiple layers so sweat stains do not appear on their uniforms.
There are five regiments of Royal Foot Guards (the guys wearing the red tunics and bearskin hats: Coldstream, Welsh, Irish, Grenadier, and Scots), but other units of the military on occasion take up guard duty.
The bearskins come from Canadian black bears. The bearskin hats are re-used and some are quite old. They've tried synthetic bearskins in the past, but they aren't naturally water repellant and didn't keep their shape. The pelts come from the annual bear cull in Canada.
Apparently, it's not a chin strap but a chin guard.It's supposedly meant to protect from glancing sword blows from passing cavalry of the time. As it's made of metal that seems plausable.
Na, it's a chin strap, just worn there for the reason you mentioned.
@@tobytaylor2154 A chin strap would do just that, go under the chin. Don't forget that there were cavalry wielding swords in the middle of a battle. They would attack the easiest part to hit the head and face of an opponent whilst riding past.The chin guard would help to deflect the blow. Or so I'm led to believe.
@@frankhyland6333 they moved the chin straps off the underside of the chin to where it is worn today. The chin strap was worn between the chin and lip for that reason but that's it, there is no nose strap or any other strap, just moved it up and the tradition stayed. I'm fully aware of the reasons of the why's and wherefores. It's a chin strap that has been moved up to protect the chin, not a chin guard, soldiers manipulate their kit all the time.
@@tobytaylor2154 It's a chin or face guard to protect the face not just the chin.As you probably know that is the most vunerable target for a cavalry man to aim for.
Anyway, We're both about right.
It's correct name is a curbchain It's kept on by 2 hooks inside the frame of the bearskin so when you're head expands in the heat over you go,keep wiggling your toes and rocking backwards and forwards on your heels and you won't faint
I think they fall is because the boots have steel plates on the soles and at the Tower of London, Windsor Castle they are marching on cobbles.
Thank you, Natasha and Debbie, for yet another terrific reaction. You commented on the bear-skin hats. Each hat costs about £650 (~US$835). Each hat (made in Canada) weighs 1.5 pounds, as correctly stated in the video. For comparison, St. Edward's Crown used at Queen Elizabeth's coronation weighs 2.23 kg (4.9 lbs). The Imperial State Crown, which has been worn by Queen Elizabeth for the opening of Parliament, is now carried because of her advancing years and its weight (1.28 kg or 2.8 lbs).
I spent 7 years in the Grenadier Guards and some of the best Soldiers in the world, as comfortable on the parade square and as comfortable on Combat operations. Well done for showing the Guards!
Maybe you can answer a question I have about the bearskin plumes? And why are some of them fluffed out and some are straight up and down?
@@charlottecunningham2141 A brilliant question and the Grenadiers and Welsh Guards have plumes made from horsehair and the plumes in bearskins from the Coldstream and Irish Guards are made from feathers. Of course the Scots Guards don't have them.
@@charlottecunningham2141 from what I’ve learned driving these guys (& gals) about, including the Guards bands, the senior the rank, the more fancy the plume so they stand out. The poor Guardsmen (Private) has what I call a stencil paint brush type lol
They are fully trained fighting soldiers people forget that mostly visitors from abroad .some get annoyed when they shout at them but they are the queen soldiers who won't stop marching when people get in the way .
If you're a tourist here and want some pictures, ask one of the beefeaters, they're military veterans too but they're not as strict and are fairly open to questions.
Basically if someone looks like they're doing a job leave them alone
Well said!
Here in the UK, we enjoy your interest in us.
You have a great attitude
Great video, I'm a military kid so was looking forward to explaining regiments etc to you but it's already been done here!
The colour that is trooped is the regimental flag that carries all their battle honours which are like a medal awarded to a regiment for bravery etc on the field of combat. An individual soldier will get a medal and the regiment or corps gets a name on the colour. Old colours are laid to rest quite ceremonially usually near the regimental hq in a church or similar. A lot of the guards regiments old colours are in Westminster, well worth a visit. My local regiment is Cheshire and when they were amalgamated into the Mercian regiment their old colour was laid to rest in chester cathedral. Its treated almost like a funeral as many soldiers would follow theirs colours into battle and might loose their life, so you can see why the flags are treated with such respect.
I am ex second battalion Grenadier Guards most of the facts in this video are incorrect. The grey colour are the winter uniforms its called Great coat order and is worn from Sept through winter. Anything else I can help with let me know.
Some of the scenes in this are actually from the annual Trooping the Colour Parade held in June every year. The grey overcoats you see are just what's worn over the red uniforms in the winter months.
Dont wear the grey coats over the red tunics 😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅😅
Because the queen is not only the queen of the UK, but also the Commonwealth, there have been guards from all over the Commonwealth, including Australians and New Zealanders
The (Flares) Wings are to signify the band from the infantry, the grey greatcoats are qorn when in the colder months, hope I helped a bit. Also the Queen’s Guard (Not Royal Guard that is another countries thing) Is made of 7 Regiments, The Grenadier Guards (White plumes in bearskins and other features like collar badges being grenades) The Coldstream Guards (Red Plumes and collar badges are their rrgimental bagde, looks like a star and buttons in groups of 2) The Scots Guards (No plumes and buttons in groups of 3 and their collar badge is a thistle) The Irish Guards (Blue Plumes and buttons in 4, Collar badge is a kind if star) The Welsh Guards (Buttons in 5 and Green White Green plumes, collar badge is a leek) That ends the foot guards, the mounted and dismounted soldiers at horse guards are from 2 Regiments: The Life Guards (Red Tunics, Helmets have white drapes) and The Blues & Royals (Blue Tunics with Red drapes) If you see other uniforms it is because sometimes other regiments from our armed forces are allowed to have the honoured position of the queen’s guard for a short amount of time, say a few weeks or months.
I loved your video and your support for the royal guard’s I feel so proud to have them in Britain
The strap doesn't go under the chin because, in actual warfare, the shock of an explosion might blow a helmet off.
You wouldn't want the head to go with it.
The chain strap is not for holding the helmet in place. It is there purely to protect the face from sabre slashes.
@@JimGraham123 Ah, thanks.
I think the helmet strap explanation applies. (I used to have a boss who was a former CSM - great fund of stories) but if it's different for the bearskin.
Ex coldstream guard 💂♂️ here happy to answer any questions you may have. Love the videos ladies keep up the great work. Good to see you show a interest in other cultures..
On Thursday 2nd of June this year at 10am UK Time it's the Trooping of the Colour where hundreds of Guards will March and Parade for her majesty the Queen, it's very very impressive to watch you should be able to view it on US TV networks
So looking forward to the Jubilee celebrations 👑🇬🇧
Thursday 1st June.
The red coats are basically summer coats. Used from April to October
Grey are heavier winter coats.
My best friends older brother was a royal GUARD. He said it was the worst hell on earth every day for 2 years.
He did say though that they are allowed to respond to the queen if she addressed them. He said that he met her twice and she was really lovely. Very friendly.
Great content as always ladies. It used to be said that it wasn't just height and intelligence that mattered but they had to be handsome as well!
Natasha & Debbie, the "Grey" overcoat you saw is known as a 'British Warm', & was traditionally worn in winter campaigns, stretching back over two centuries. The epaulettes that Debbie observed are all different - depending upon which Guards Regt you belong to; the one particular epaulette that projects from the shoulder belongs to the Irish Guards - & my uncle served with them - he was 6' 5" tall, so with the bearskin atop, he was close to eight feet in height. There are also Scots Guards, Welsh Guards, & Coldstream Guards - all rotate to guard the Queen's residences; outside the main body of those regt's, the Ghurkas (Nepalese), & the Royal Navy have kept the Queen safe, too.
In terms of Royal households, Windsor Castle is the principal palace, then Buckingham Palace, Balmoral (Scotland), & Sandringham - a countryside retreat.
In truth, it's not the best representation of the Guards, but there are more informative videos on UA-cam. Take care & stay safe,
Andrew
I loved seeing the changing of the guard.
During my apprenticeship as a boy entrant to become an aircraft engine fitter in the Royal Air Force, we were taken into London as part of the remembrance day parade at the cenotaph. Afterwards we were taken to line the route for the Queen going to Windsor Castle. The Public / Tourists, thought it highly amusing to tie one of the guy’s bootlaces together when he was stood to attention. When stood for a long time, we were shown how to concentrate our weight on to one foot, allowing the other leg & foot to rest & then on the other foot. Steel studded boots are incredibly slippery on concrete. 🙏
The need to pee whilst on guard is where the saying " fill your boots" comes from.
It would be messy if they had the runs lol
To your comments about not bothering the Queen's Guards. Amen. I am an American Soldier and have served with my British Brothers and Sisters at various times they have a rich culture and tradition that I love to learn about and respect. They don't need that from tourists who think of it as a big joke.
Thank you for your service!! ❤️
What branch? ❤️🇺🇸❤️
@@TheNatashaDebbieShow Army
I took my sister to London once and we caught a bit of the changing of the guard . The number of tourists who dick about and think the queen's guard are just toy soldiers is alarming . Once saw an Asian tourist stand right next to one of the household cavalry despite a big sign saying to stand clear because they're not pet horses . When I saw its ears go down I though they'd have to call an ambulance . Fortunately she backed off
One of the reasons you see the Guards slip and fall is that the highly polished boots worn are leather soled and have a 13 metal stud patern on each boot and horse shoe style plates on the heels. This make it expecially slippery when marching on cobbled roads or in the wet
Natasha and Debbie - Policemen who wore helmets with a strap also wore them exactly the same way. This helps them to stop getting strangled if they are involved in a fight with criminals when the helmets fall off backwards and the straps go around the throat. Wearing the straps like they do now, the helmet just falls off without any danger to the guard or the then policemen. They are all different regiments who have different uniforms.
You ladies have been entertaining me for.a long time. I wish you so very well 🇬🇧
The official name is the Household Division and the soldiers in the scarlet tunics and bearskin hats are the Foot Guards, made up of five regiments. The Grenadier Guards, the Coldstream Guards, the Scots Guards, the Irish Guards, and the Welsh Guards.
The Coldstream Guards are also the oldest continuously serving regiment in the British Army, they originated as part of Oliver Cromwell's New Model Army for the Parliamentary side of the English Civil War in 1650.
The Guards regiments used to be The Brigade Of Guards.
Coldstream guards only became the oldest in 2006 when the Royal Scots were amalgamated,they still kinda exist as the first battalion of the Scottish Regiment as the Royal Scots borderers.They were originally formed in 1633!
I usually go every single year to the Trooping of the Colour, for very many years, doing a 400 mile return journey in order to do so. and unfortunately due to Covid it hasn't taken place.
Also if you count what used to be called the T.A. then The Honourable Artillery Company are the oldest active infantry regiment in the British Army (raised in about 1537).
@@clayhead12000 yep they were the Brigade of Guards when it was just The Grenadier Guards, The Coldstream Guards, and The Scots Guards.
Regarding fainting at attention, they are taught how to try to counter fainting by flexing muscles, though it doesn’t always enough to stop fainting.
Originally the guards were posted outside the fence at Buckingham Palace, but they were later moved to their current positions to get them away from constant harassment from the tourists, etc. Many British units besides the Guards (and some from Commonwealth countries) have performed the Changing of the Guard ceremony as well.
Get off the fence! Best one ever 😂
I'm English and so glad you mentioned tomb of the unknown I have seen it only in videos but wow what a show
Hey Ladies,
I have a friend who's an officer in the Grenadier Guards and has done a number of stints as a Royal guard (Usually it's split between 6/7 different armed force divisions for 2/3 weeks at a time). I've even tried on one of those bearskin hats and can confirm they're bloody heavy!
The grey uniforms are just overcoats worn on the coldest of days over their usual Red tunics.
Unfortunately there's been an increase of people messing with the guards in recent years maybe due to social media. So much so they installed about 8 years ago small barriers or chain link fencing around guards positions so that people could get close enough to take a photo but not start messing with them. Unfortunately some people are still willing to jump these!
The reason they slip is also because the British forces wear hobnailed boots which can make it very slippery at times depending on the surface. They were also great for sliding in, the hobnails also give the distinctive crack sound when marching and coming to attention (army and air force only) we in the royal navy had more sense and slide the feet together.
I am one of those GUARDS thank you so much,I was GRENADIER GUARDS,big fan
Really?! Awesome!!!!!! We thank you for your service!!! 🇺🇸❤️🇬🇧
The Bearskin contract's with Canada during their population culls. The army did look into synthetics though...
if you watch THE TROOPING OF THE COLOUR , everything will be told , loving your reactions
The footguards are Grenadier Guards (white plume on the left of the helmet buttons are singly spaced), Coldstream Guards (red plume buttons are in pairs), Scots Guards (no plume buttons are in the threes), Irish Guards (blue plume buttons are in fours) and Welsh Guards (white-green- green plume buttons are in fives) they guard Buckingham Palace, Clarence House, St James Palace and Windsor, Horseguards are The Lifeguards (Red tunics) and The Blues and Royals they are on guard at Horseguards Parade. The footguards you can tell the difference by the number of buttons on their tunics also the plume in their helmets and the badge on their collars and on their shoulders. The bearskins come from Canada, fake fur doesn’t have the right look like real fur so only real fur is used., there is a video on UA-cam that does state that. The foot and horseguards meet on the mall the horseguards look right while the footguards present arms or hype in the case of The Grenadier Guards. There is a tv series on UA-cam that follows the guards. The grey coats are autumn/winter uniform while the red tunics is spring/summer uniform.
Hahaha 😂 I think you two should get one of those big Bear hats for a video lol 😆