The Queen's favorite horse was Burmese, given her by the RCMP. She used him in formal processions. As a result she requested the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) to lead her funeral procession, which they did.
As hard as it is for an Australian to say that something is better in the UK 😂, I am happy to state loudly that no-one does pomp and ceremony like the Brits. The history, the colours, the pageantry ... unsurpassed!
Thank you for your kind words but why should we find it hard to say something nice about each other?! I spent a month in Australia and loved every moment, I only wished that we’d moved there when our friends did. You’re very lucky, be proud!
Hi Natasha and Debbie, When the horses retire, they are sent to a beautiful place, where they are given a full check up with a vet, they have there teeth done etc, then let out into fields were they are free to run around. Also soldiers that have worked with them, get to adopt them once retired.(if they want to) as do the public who want to have one of these beautiful horses. But whilst they are in service, they have days by the sea, where the horses can go in the water with their bareback riders, and just enjoy themselves (the sea water is good for their legs), they seem really happy.
A girl I know adopted one of them, she worked for the mounted police and kept her adopted cavalry horse at the same livery yard where I kept my daughter's ponies. The cavalry horse (I think his name was Gus? 🤔) kicked my daughters pony in the head and fractured his eye socket. It was totally our ponies fault, he was a total ar$e, he was half the size of Gus and kept biting him in the field, he'd run up and bite his bum then run away, eventually Gus had enough and fired a warning shot with a back leg, Brandy caught a glancing blow to the head 🙈 luckily he got over it fine and it taught him a lesson he never forgot
Does this happen with police horses too? I seem to remember a retired mounted policeman saying that he adopted his horse when the horse was retired. Don't know if this is usual.
Thank you so much for the respect you show our loved and admired Household Cavalry. Too many tourists treat them as Disney characters when they are on guard duty at Horse Guards Parade. By the way the kettle drums were presented to the regiments by King William 1V
On our quest of all things British, the military is always at the top of our list. This is an incredibly fascinating video on The Life Guards and the Blues and Royals! It focuses on their uniforms and history, it isn't just educational but inspiring! We learned a lot here! This is a must-see dive into the British Household Cavalry. We really love learning about your military and different regiments. God Bless the Military! Thanks so much for watching! If you enjoy our content, please consider subscribing to our channel, it is the BEST way to support our channel and it's FREE! Also please click the Like button. Thank you for stopping by!
I don't suppose there's any good chance at all, you both could come to the UK for the Coronation? Just imagine watching live, all the Pomp and Ceremony, what a memory you would have! xx
If you are big on the military, I would recommend you checking out the American cemetery based here in Cambridge (UK) ua-cam.com/video/HwACaLWQTc8/v-deo.html
The Clydesdale horses are a Scottish breed. I used to ride one on the island of Mull when I was a kid. They belonged to a local farmer. When I say 'ride' I mean sat on top of one like a magic carpet. My wee legs didn't even reach the sides of the horse. I still love them. Big, hard working, gentle lumps they were.
@@clayhead12000 😂 I’ve not heard that before but I could well believe it! I think ‘turning turtle’ is another painful and/or embarrassing scenario also! 😂
I'm so proud of our military and all that makes us British ladies, as i can see how proud you both are of yours too. So equally we are ALL proud of them all,we are allies and friends in this changing world. Thank you both xx
You should check out the video where they soldiers and horses get a seaside holiday,it just so awsome to see the soldiers and horses let loose and having a real blasts.
The Commander in Chief who was mentioned is the Princess Royal or in other words Princess Ann the sister of King Charles she is amazing and performs almost as many royal duties as the King xx
My grandfather was a farrier in the Royal Horse Artillery in the first world War. Also the musicians uniforms are made with 22ct gold thread, they also steer the horses using their feet!. Thanks for this video, absolutely love the calvary.
My uncle was a farrier in the Blues & Royals and went on to become a major in the Royal Veterinary Corps, commissioned from the ranks while in the Blues & Royals and then switching to the RVC.
There was a Horse that carried the Kettle Drums who was a favourite of the Queen, His name was Cicero but he was slightly smaller than the other Drum carriers but because he was the Queens favourite they made him special Horseshoes to make him just a little taller meeting the regulation height, He served dutifully until he retired and put out to pasture to enjoy his remaining years work free.
A good friend of mine, from basic training (a life time ago, and then some), become the first female bandmaster of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. She's now with the Ghurkas but she was a trendsetter!
We were stationed in Melton Mowbray, Leics at the Defence Animal Centre (Remount Barracks) in the 1990s. Our house backed onto the stables and paddocks - I used to love walking through to get to work, as the horses would often put their heads out of the stable doors, as though to say 'morning'.
I worked for a while in Wilkinson Sword who were the royal sword makers and made the swords the same way they were historically done. The amount of work and skill that goes into making them is amazing.
So's the cost. My father moaned everytime he got a promotion as a Royal Navy Officer and hoped that he could buy one cheap from an Officer above who had also had a promotion. Was always baffled that each rank had a slightly different decoration and engraving to it and the scabbard.
One of the Wilkinson Sword big-wigs is still overseeing the process of making the sword but it’s another company making them, unless of course they are a subsidiary of WS!
There is a Household Cavalry Museum on Horseguards Parade where Trooping The Colour takes place if you look to one side of the archway you will see a board advertising the museum which is small, The Guards Museum (footguards) can be found at Wellington Barracks near Buckingham Palace is also a small museum.
Back in thde day I heard the cavalry had an unofficial motto which they said was "Love and run." When they were equipped with armoured vehicles, witty squaddies changed it to "Screw and bolt."
Great as always. The "missing" unit is the Kings Troop, Royal Horse Artillery - famous for their musical ride. I watched them as a part of the old Royal Tournament at Earls Court. The gallop, guns rattling and harness's jingling made the seating stands shake. Magical. You see them usually firing the Royal Salutes in Hyde Park.
They’re not really missing, they’re just not a part of The Household Cavalry, though strangely they seem to be included in the Household Division! Very odd!
@@j.ksmith7432 Not missing as part of the Household Division, but missing as a part of London's Ceremonial units. They are of course, a part of the Royal Artillery. Just a missing from the list of must see Ceremonial units.
@@HankD13 I find this very confusing at times tbh, I no sooner think that I have the who’s who, and the what’s what clear in my mind but the goal posts get moved, well, that or my going gaga mind has muddled it again! If I’m stupid enough to think that I can google to confirm or not I then find that too often google don’t actually give a definitive answer so I’m back where I started! For instance, there is an ongoing debate (that’s the polite version!) on YT, which I expect you know has several videographers recording videos daily at Horse Guards, about whether or not tourists are allowed to touch the horses, the first time I saw it I galloped in, shooting from the lip because I knew, I absolutely knew that visitors were not allowed to touch, I ended up googling that for my own sanity and found that google backed me up……..but only in one place, in another it said the direct opposite! Still, onwards and upwards and all that tosh, ours not to reason why…..I just wish they’d make their minds up with the Kings Troop RHA because every time they go to babysit at Horse Guards we answer a shed load of questions (rightly or wrongly!) because the visitors have no clue who they are, yet if you remind them of the gun salutes in the park most of them do know!! Goodnight
My grandfather was in the ScotsGreys in the first WW, and we have his cavalry sword and boots. We also have a German officer’s sword that my grandfather “acquired “.
Additionally, we have photographs of my grandfather on two of his horses. One is quite nice looking, the other is, without a doubt, the most badly put together and uncomfortable looking horse l have ever seen. However, he does have a large, generous eye and huge ears which is normally a sign of a lovely temperament.
I don't know if you know about the Scots Greys painting their horses. Because they were so famous as a regiment that only rode grey horses, they could be spotted from miles away. So they had to camouflage the horses with paint.
Both my grandfather’s horses were bay. Maybe they had to use other colours as the war went on? My great grandfather was in the Crimea where he took part in the charge of the heavy brigade which my father said that no one has heard of because it was successful. That could just be family myth, though.
The Blues and Royals were attacked in Hyde Park in 1982, they lost 4 men and 7 horses in the nail bomb attack while on ceremonial duty, 2 hours later the band of the Royals and Greens were also attacked in Regents Park with the loss of 7 men.
It was one of the bands of the Royal Green Jackets. The Regiment was an amalgamation of 3 regiments - one of which developed from a battalion of the Royal American Regiment. The Royal Green Jackets are now part of The Rifles. - the largest infantry regiment of the British Army.
"Multitudes are marchin' to the big kettledrum" When The Man Comes Around by the late great Johnny Cash - a song he wrote after a dream he had about meeting the Queen. In his dream the Queen said, "Johnny, you're like a thorntree in a whirlwind". A little Friday Factoid for you all there 🙂 (For some reason this came into my head watching this).
@@grahamstubbs4962 why is that? I think Johnny probably did when he woke up too.. and then one of the greatest most beautiful pieces of music ever was created. 👌
Love your respect for all armed forces, my Cousin was a Blues and Royal, served in Afghanistan and Iraq as a Tank Commander, and also did his duty back home at Horseguards
11:40 the no2 dress there is standardised across the British Army to use in parades etc where full ceremonial dress (no1 dress) is not required. No2 dress being standardised means cost savings, and it means all soldiers can be issued with no2 dress, whereas no1 dress is generally shared and only issued when required in minimal numbers.
Love you girls. It’s great that you’re so interested in our country, so please keep doing the videos as they’re really enjoyable. I hope you will be watching the Coronation in May.
New recruits spend 12 weeks learning to ride at Combermere Barracks Windsor. Then the finish their training at Knightsbridge barracks London. Passing out hopefully at the end. I lived behind Combermere barracks and could often see them training. Looking through my bedroom window. I so wanted to join. But sadly then women were not allowed to join then. I was allowed in to do some work experience there for a while as I wanted to work with horses when I left school. Which was great fun. Not sure if it still applies but Windsor was used to train the new horses also. I loved the drummer horses they usually have Roman emperors names. I remember how heavy the uniform was on average about 6 st. The winter costs alone were very heavy.
Your cavalry once had a ceremonial uniform. Shame you didn't keep the tradition. There are pictures of the 7th. Our cavalry operate light tanks in the field. Carrying out pretty much the same role as mounted troops in the past. They were the long distance information gatherers. And, British soldiers coats were lined in a blue cloth. So rebels, turned their coats inside out hence turncoats.
The armour in the display, at the start of the video, if I recall correctly is on display in The Tower of London. If you look closely you can see a where a musket ball has hit the armour (at about the @5:12 mark in the video) and was worn by a Roundhead at the time of the Civil War (1642-1651) between the Royalists and the Roundheads. That's one of the Roundhead helmets in the background and the cuirass, in the foreground, has an indent where it was hit by a musketball.
Most armour from that period has a musket or pistol ball dent in it. 'Pistol-proof', and 'musket-proof'. The cost went up with how proof against enemy fire it was. The need to stop rifle bullets is why steel cuirasses like this are no longer used in war: the last time they were was in WWI, as a gentleman's accessory, like a steel skullcap. By the way 'cuirass' is French and references that they were originally made of leather: 'cuir'. In the English Civil War, you can see many soldiers wearing 'buff coats' which were thick leather armour overcoats, the cheapest real armour a man could be equipped with. Might stop a cut from a sword, but not a thrust from a pike or a shot from a gun.
The Spiked Plume Helmet they wear today is The Albert Helmet origins from mid 1840s l believe with design ideas from Prince Albert ... look at lifeguard helmets before that date mid to early 1800s they were more ornate and spectacular with a black plume running from front to back .
One thing not mentioned here is that the drum horses reins go down to the stirrups therefore the two drum horses are controlled by the drummers/riders feet leaving both hands free to beat the drums.
I thought ud be interested to know i had a retired Household Cav horse for 9 years. Ive ridden since i was 3 and now im 65. Still have horses and still ride every day. Once they retire many are taken to the Horse Welfare who find them suitable homes....i was lucky enough to be allowed to have him.He lived to 30....i still miss him.
That is lovely to know. Gratitude often comes a distant second when many animals end their working lives. If I could own a pet I'd have a ex-racingrescue greyhound. Considering the money in the industry their treatment once they're too old to race is horrendous. So well done, our services!
Horses are strongly independent, but also greatly loyal and protective. Even though I was in the cavelary, I've had nothing to do with horses, only 54 ton tanks, most of that weight was my tank commander!
Did you notice the soldiers playing the large kettle drums on horse back were steering them with reigns strapped to their feet so they can have both hands free for playing. That must take some training steering a horse and playing drums simultaneously 🇬🇧
My Dad used to run the Blue Ribbon Saddlery in Walsall, England. They used to make all the saddles and bridles for the NYC Mounted Police. They were also the very last factory to produce production side-saddles that ladies rode upon. The quality was so high, the business was bought by an American Dressage champion who lived in the center of Paris.
There is a saying amongst the Guards that a Guardsman has to be twice the man. This means that not only are they are a fully trained infantry battalion, but they have the added effort /honour of having to train for ceremonial duties as well. This also goes for the lifeguard regiments as well. The added dedication required for the role of ceremonial / modern soldier is truly impressive.
The Royal Horse Artillery on parade with their cannons are the most senior British Regiment, not these two but without their cannons they are the third. The drum horses have military ranks, the banners drapped around the drums are the regimental colours.
One of our family’s most precious photographs is of my husband’s Grandfather, on his horse guarding King George V at Buckingham Palace when our late Queen Elizabeth II was a child. He shared so many stories and memories of that time with us before he passed and was very proud of that fact that my late husband followed in his footsteps.
I think alongside our Monarchy (leaving aside problematic members of the family) our military is the other big pride. Both our countries seem to be in an era of terrible politicians. Whenever I hear a sound bite from an American political figure basically stating that the UK is irrelevant these days, I think of you both and remember these views are not held by all, and some people have far more sense of history. You are some of the best ambassadors for your country and our special relationship on the internet.
The Household Cavalry Drum Horses were in the funeral cortege for the Queen. The trumpeters also featured at the Funeral playing the Last Post etc. When they were invited to feature in the Bastille Day Parade in Paris one of the horses was called Agincourt - named after the battle where Henry V stuffed it up the French :) Don't know if the French knew that.
The massed bands of the Household Cavalry were on duty during the Queen's funeral.... Look again at the procession from the Abbey after the funeral for instance....
I've said before and I'm saying again, I truly love these two girls. It's rare to to come across such an apparently balanced couple, I really do wish them well.
At 10:30 the video mentions the "golden shoulder cords" worn by officers. These are known as Aiguillettes, which have metal spikes on the ends, and were used by cavalry officers to disable enemy cannon on the battlefield. This was achieved by driving the spike into the vent holes through which the ignition spark fired the cannon. It was considered an officer's privilege to perform this task, hence Aiguillettes were only worn by officers.
The face strap under the chin, or under the bottom lip was actually adapted to help the helmet come off the head quickly after a blow to the head without choking or wrenching the soldiers neck.
Did you notice, about half way through, when the film showed the troop of soldiers in the plainish brown uniforms, there was a woman marching among them (wearing a brown skirt)?
Dragoons---basically mounted infantry, differentiated from 'true' cavalry as they dismounted and fought on foot. The term dragoon does, in fact, derive from 'dragon' being a name for an early firearm carried by these troops from it's reputed similarity to the fabled beast as it belched flame and dealt death. To keep it simple: travel by horse, fight on foot = dragoon; travel by horse, fight on horseback = cavalry!
Sadly I think that soon the Household Cavalry guarding Horse Guards days will be numbered. There doesn’t seem to be anyway to stop the ridiculous antics of some of the visitors; strange that that tradition has gone on for so many years, hasn’t been stopped but may well come to an end because of the very people that visit it, crazy.
Just to show you how mad we are on this side of the pond , take a look at " Up Helle Aa " Viking fire festival in the Shetland Isle on the last Tuesday in January .
Love learning with you ladies 😊 I see these processions and troops so often in London and never take the time to look into the history of them. Thank you for such a fascinating video 😊
That uniform embroidery is real gold!! The hoof thing sounds awful but the horses are numbered on their hooves like a soldier has his number. They are treated as troops.. Thank you ladies from Britain.
Can you imagine the training those drum horses and soldiers go through? Especially since they’re are steered by reins attached to the feet of the drummers!
You should see the two Shire horses that belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth. She loved these two horses and she still rode them into her later life, they are beautiful horses. ❤️🇬🇧
The foot guards refer to the cavalry as "Donkey Wallopers". The word you struggled with- dragoon is; "drah-goon". Dragoons were mobile troops who rode on horseback, but fought on foot. The Household cavalry are a tank unit when not on ceremonial duties as the sovereign's bodyguard. The helmet plumes are made of horse hair. Wilkinson are the firm that make the swords for the military, they are also one of the UK's leading manufacturers of razors and blades and in the period prior to WWI made high end luxury motorcycles. You clearly enjoyed this video so I urge you to have a look at the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, also part of the Household Division.
I was going to suggest the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery as well. They have great uniforms, great horses and huge guns (and is apparently the only regiment which is a 50:50 split between men and women). I saw them doing their musical extravaganza up at the Royal Norfolk one year and seeing them in the flesh is incredible.
Don’t know if anyone’s suggested this , but there is a web site that will give you a list of historic and present medals used in His Majesties British Forces So when you see service men and women on parade in their dress uniforms, you will know where they have served , some are for special occasion not necessarily theatres of war
These days horses are used for ceremonial purposes. When they refer to cavalry being "armoured" it means that in battle they fight in tanks and armoured vehicles. Dagoons best way to pronounce it is to exaggerate the double o's "Dragooons"
🇬🇧 Norfolk with you guys every summer the cavalry spend a few days here in Norfolk at the coast Holkham north Norfolk to let the horses enjoy the surf and it’s a site to see 😊
Hiya gals 😃👋🏻 Since this footage is dated (by the Combat uniforms), there are now females serving in the Household Cavalry, although there has been females in the Band of the Household Cavalry (There was two bands, one each for the Life Guards & Blues & Royals, but recent years have amalgamated them into he Band of the Household Cavalry) And yes, I do drive these guys & gals about in my coach or minibus 😌🇬🇧
there have been some famous members who have served in this regiment in its different affiliations , on active duty , the likes of Hollywood British actors Victor mcglagan ,Ray milland , musician James blunt ,comedian & magician Tommy Cooper & the most decorated member of the regiment was Michael John flynn who sore action In many modern day conflicts earning many high honours ( medals) .
Great video reaction girlies, I do love the military history programmes and think you would as well. My parents often took me I to the city to see horse guards for changing of the guard. The horses are beautiful and I'm sure there is a video out there on the training they do with them. One day you may both get to be here and see and feel a procession as you can feel the drums. Thank you again girlies for being so interested. Xx
My maternal grandfather, William (Bill) Leadley (1906 - 1967) was a member of the Royal Household Cavalry, the elite of the British Army, in the 1930s. As a member of the Royal Dragoons and the Royal Tank Corps between 1924 and 1938, he was in the "Royal" division of the Blues and Royals which amalgamated in 1969. The brass breast plated uniforms with the brass helmets and plumes (which are called Albert helmets named after Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, the Prince Consort, formerly of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha) are unique to the Royal Family and belong to the Royal Family and when the soldier is not on guard duty at the Palace, they have to be returned to the monarch. The plumes were originally made of horsehair, but now are synthetic (nylon) and are 20 inches long. The horses belong to the monarch. My late mother used to say that her father was one of the king's men who rode the king's horse like in the nursery rhyme "Humpty Dumpty" (all the king's horses and all the king's men). I'm lucky enough to have a photograph of my maternal grandfather in his uniform. This is the reason why my mother raised me to be a monarchist.
Hi Girls, firstly love your videos and the respect you show to our armed forces. I was in the Life Guards in the 70's (stationed at Windsor) as a gunner on Scorpion tanks and then went to riding school to learn ceremonial duties. I had never ridden a horse before and went from beginner to ceremonial duties in 12 weeks and boy do you work hard. The best part was is that I that I am a Londoner and Knightsbridge barracks was only 30 minutes from home. God bless to you both and keep the vids coming.
I came across a fact that might intrest you King Charles 3rd can trace his family back to William the Conqueror in 1066, William was the Duke of Normandy at the time and great-great-great grandson of the Viking chieftain Rollo( first Duke of Normandy about 911), so would that make King Charles 3rd of Viking descent..
As no one answered the question - the plumes on the helmets are made from Horse Hair, from tails and manes. There are no women in the house hold calvary,, however lots of horsey girl types serve in the RHA (Royal Horse Artillery) which pull the field guns that fire salutes in Hyde and Green Parks.
There are several female LifeGuards including a captain, who often takes the punishment parade at HorseGuards(the punishment parade or 4 pm inspections is so called because it’s said Queen Victoria passed HorseGuards and didn’t receive a salute. On investigation the troopers were found in the guardhouse, in their shirtsleeves-big no no being out of uniform in duty- smoking and gambling. As punishment she decreed that the regiment be inspected every day at 4 pm and this was to continue for 100 years. The hundred years came up a few years back and Queen Elizabeth decided it should continue) There are fewer female LifeGuards than Blues and Royals and they also have a Captain based at the armoured veh base in Bulford, but the proportion of males to females is changing fast. The Kings own artillery are almost half female today. Ask any of the male troopers on ceremonial who the best riders are in the regiment and they’ll freely admit it’s the women, mainly cos the women have usually been riding most of their lives.
@@paulinemegson8519 • Thanks Pauline. I sort of assumed that there would be female Lifeguards, but I have never actually seen one, whereas I have seen a couple of the female Blues & Royals Troopers and a Captain. I know that the female Troopers are considered the best riders by their male colleagues. (Thanks to our friend John of LCW and YT contributors like you and one or two others, I now know much more about H Cav than I ever did.) According to one of the guests with Claire Baldwin, commenting on yesterday's Trooping the Colour ceremony, the Royal Horse Artillery now has a 60% female composition.
also, if a soldiers plum or helmet was struck and was coming off, the position of the chin strap .. if it were under the chin would cause the rider to be pulled back. Years ago, the Police wore patent leather chin straps. Many ex miklitary men wore them below their lip.. above chin.. then the Metropolitan Police in London for one ordered that the chin straps were no longer to be worn at all.. so if a knock was taken to the helmet the hat would fall off and not be used to drag an officer further. Helmets in the Police, male and female hats are concealed and deployed only at certain times.. are made of webbing and more sturdy than the oild patent leather ones.. so I think that is also an explaination of the position they were worn at.
I think it’s easy to forget that although the American Revolution was fought against the British *government* of the day, the Patriots were still inspired by British philosophy, culture and political ideas - fighting for their ‘Rights as Englishmen’ - and largely considered themselves British until the more distinct American identity started to develop. And many in the UK we’re against the war and some even supported the Patriots, especially the Whig party in Parliament - the MP Charles Fox used to turn up to Parliament in Continental buff and blue for the duration of the war. In short we are cousins and brothers in arms, long may it last
You may have seen the household cavalry band in their gold coats as part of the Queen’s funeral procession. They also appear at most royal ceremonial occasions. I’m always amazed at how they play instruments with both hands and still control their horse so well (with the legs I assume!)
Absolutely fantastic, as always! Have sent a suggested reaction on Patreon that is a great story of the bond between the US and UK stemming from WW2 but coming right to the present day
Interestingly the heavy brass players (e.g Tuba) get first pick of the horses, similar to the kettle drum horses. This is because they need a horse that is calm and reliable because the instrument is strapped to the musician. I knew a chap who played and he was offered a horse. Now he'd seen this particular horse being trained and turned him down because he was unpredictable. His section commander disagreed with him and decided to ride the horse himself at the county/horse show they were performing at. What did the horse do? Only went and took the water jump musician, instrument and all.
Thank you for such an interesting video and reaction. Seeing this it has just made me realise not only the enormity of our late Queen's passing on emotional level but logistically the magnitude of things including uniforms, flags etc with her cipher will now have to be changed to C III R and as you can see all that stitching that is involved, be it machine or hand sewn. We have become so used to for 70 years seeing the same cipher I wonder how C III R will look on those uniforms.
The two regiments were amalgamated in1969 and not 1922, furthermore, the Household cavalery are part of the RAC (Royal Armoured Corps) with cerimonial duties. I served in the Royal Hussars (PWO) now part of the Kings Own Royal Hussars, so I have experience in such matters. The cap is not a forage cap, it's a peak cap, a forage cap it the sort seen worn by the Home Guard and at one time the RAF, the cross belt is known as a "Sam brown" I knew this information but still sourced it for clarification, so should video makers.
The plumes are 20 inches long and made from horsehair-- The Life Guards have white sheepskin over their saddles and the Blues and Royals have black sheepskin in their saddles :)
The reason the Household Cavalry form the senior regiments is that they descend from the gentlemen at arms who remained loyal to Charles II during his exile and accompanied him back to England as a personal bodyguard on the King's restoration to the throne. As the Restoration was essentially a 'clock reset' where the allegiance of the armed forces was switched from Parliament (as during the Protectorate) back to the Crown, there can be no older body than the group of men who stood closest to the King at that point and whose service ran unbroken through the period of exile.
I was under the impression that ‘The Blues’ were originally raised by Sir Arthur Haselrigge in response to a request from Oliver Cromwell, they later ‘turned coat’ when Charles ll was restored to the throne?
The uniform you see are called dress uniform, they are mainly for parading and they have one for active service. Can you see someone running in those high booths, great on a horse but not very good for walking .Also the guards have to pay for all their uniforms and even their horses up keep..
Sorry if this duplicates another post. Just to say that while there is a horse breed called Drum Horse they are not used by the Household Cavalry, whose drum horses are Shires or Clydesdale, mostly Shires from Wales, first ever mare was recruited in 2021.
My grandfather was in the Lifeguard's, he was in the mounted band, his horse was called Pig! My grandad used to tell us stories about them having to learn to use the reigns with their feet and the inventive ways their Sergeant Major had of.....encouraging them! 😂
Hi my dad was in the blues and royals he told me from history of his regiment chunick was originally red but cos they used vegetable dye that when they got injuries the chunic turned blue
I found your channel last weekend and I hae been binge watching through the week, I must say you two ladies are so lovely and a credit to the US... as you can tell from my channel name, Im from south east London and born and bred in England. Love seeing the respect payed to the UK
The Queen's favorite horse was Burmese, given her by the RCMP. She used him in formal processions. As a result she requested the RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) to lead her funeral procession, which they did.
Burmese was a mare and is buried in Home Park alongside Sanction.
Thought that was a lovely touch by the Queen - she loved Canada
As hard as it is for an Australian to say that something is better in the UK 😂, I am happy to state loudly that no-one does pomp and ceremony like the Brits. The history, the colours, the pageantry ... unsurpassed!
Hard for us Americans to admit it too but you honestly can't deny it. Proud to be allies with GB and Australia
@@TheNatashaDebbieShow it is a bit controversial at the moment, for a range of reasons, but that alliance is called AUKUS (Australia UK US)
Absolutely! They invented it!
Thank you for your kind words but why should we find it hard to say something nice about each other?! I spent a month in Australia and loved every moment, I only wished that we’d moved there when our friends did. You’re very lucky, be proud!
@@j.ksmith7432 tongue in cheek 😉
Hi Natasha and Debbie, When the horses retire, they are sent to a beautiful place, where they are given a full check up with a vet, they have there teeth done etc, then let out into fields were they are free to run around.
Also soldiers that have worked with them, get to adopt them once retired.(if they want to) as do the public who want to have one of these beautiful horses.
But whilst they are in service, they have days by the sea, where the horses can go in the water with their bareback riders, and just enjoy themselves (the sea water is good for their legs), they seem really happy.
good to know they are well looked after.
A girl I know adopted one of them, she worked for the mounted police and kept her adopted cavalry horse at the same livery yard where I kept my daughter's ponies. The cavalry horse (I think his name was Gus? 🤔) kicked my daughters pony in the head and fractured his eye socket. It was totally our ponies fault, he was a total ar$e, he was half the size of Gus and kept biting him in the field, he'd run up and bite his bum then run away, eventually Gus had enough and fired a warning shot with a back leg, Brandy caught a glancing blow to the head 🙈 luckily he got over it fine and it taught him a lesson he never forgot
Does this happen with police horses too? I seem to remember a retired mounted policeman saying that he adopted his horse when the horse was retired. Don't know if this is usual.
Thank you so much for the respect you show our loved and admired Household Cavalry. Too many tourists treat them as Disney characters when they are on guard duty at Horse Guards Parade. By the way the kettle drums were presented to the regiments by King William 1V
On our quest of all things British, the military is always at the top of our list. This is an incredibly fascinating video on The Life Guards and the Blues and Royals! It focuses on their uniforms and history, it isn't just educational but inspiring! We learned a lot here! This is a must-see dive into the British Household Cavalry. We really love learning about your military and different regiments. God Bless the Military! Thanks so much for watching! If you enjoy our content, please consider subscribing to our channel, it is the BEST way to support our channel and it's FREE! Also please click the Like button. Thank you for stopping by!
I don't suppose there's any good chance at all, you both could come to the UK for the Coronation? Just imagine watching live, all the Pomp and Ceremony, what a memory you would have! xx
If you are big on the military, I would recommend you checking out the American cemetery based here in Cambridge (UK)
ua-cam.com/video/HwACaLWQTc8/v-deo.html
Debbie's hat, yeee haaaa 🤣🇬🇧😂 love it ❤️ suits you
Hi ladies, please check out The Royal Artillery also known as The King's Troop and The Rifles 😊
Remember under the ceremonial dress, these are trained killers.
The Clydesdale horses are a Scottish breed. I used to ride one on the island of Mull when I was a kid. They belonged to a local farmer. When I say 'ride' I mean sat on top of one like a magic carpet. My wee legs didn't even reach the sides of the horse. I still love them. Big, hard working, gentle lumps they were.
lovely though!
I so hope the breed doesnt die out.
So special and I heard they were rapidly declining.
@@fabulousnewt770 thank god to Budweiser they have a superb breeding program
I was a life guard. From 1968 until 74 .the first parade was at the investiture of the prince of wales. Hard work please keep up your great work
Hi Peter. Is it true that the only time the cuirass fits properly is when it hurts?
@@clayhead12000 😂 I’ve not heard that before but I could well believe it! I think ‘turning turtle’ is another painful and/or embarrassing scenario also! 😂
I'm so proud of our military and all that makes us British ladies, as i can see how proud you both are of yours too.
So equally we are ALL proud of them all,we are allies and friends in this changing world.
Thank you both xx
You should check out the video where they soldiers and horses get a seaside holiday,it just so awsome to see the soldiers and horses let loose and having a real blasts.
The Commander in Chief who was mentioned is the Princess Royal or in other words Princess Ann the sister of King Charles she is amazing and performs almost as many royal duties as the King xx
Respect to you ladies for your genuine respect for the people inside of these uniforms
9:34 that's all gold thread too - not dyed, actual gold.
My uncle was a Royal Lifeguard for years, we were always very proud to see him in uniform
My grandfather was a farrier in the Royal Horse Artillery in the first world War. Also the musicians uniforms are made with 22ct gold thread, they also steer the horses using their feet!. Thanks for this video, absolutely love the calvary.
My uncle was a farrier in the Blues & Royals and went on to become a major in the Royal Veterinary Corps, commissioned from the ranks while in the Blues & Royals and then switching to the RVC.
There was a Horse that carried the Kettle Drums who was a favourite of the Queen, His name was Cicero but he was slightly smaller than the other Drum carriers but because he was the Queens favourite they made him special Horseshoes to make him just a little taller meeting the regulation height, He served dutifully until he retired and put out to pasture to enjoy his remaining years work free.
Back many years when they came to my city one of the leading horses was called "Hercules".
what a lovely story.
Agreed. The kettle drummers are the real stars of the bands, absolutely gorgeous animals.
A good friend of mine, from basic training (a life time ago, and then some), become the first female bandmaster of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment. She's now with the Ghurkas but she was a trendsetter!
Good for her .. hope she can march very quickly
We were stationed in Melton Mowbray, Leics at the Defence Animal Centre (Remount Barracks) in the 1990s. Our house backed onto the stables and paddocks - I used to love walking through to get to work, as the horses would often put their heads out of the stable doors, as though to say 'morning'.
I worked for a while in Wilkinson Sword who were the royal sword makers and made the swords the same way they were historically done. The amount of work and skill that goes into making them is amazing.
So's the cost. My father moaned everytime he got a promotion as a Royal Navy Officer and hoped that he could buy one cheap from an Officer above who had also had a promotion. Was always baffled that each rank had a slightly different decoration and engraving to it and the scabbard.
One of the Wilkinson Sword big-wigs is still overseeing the process of making the sword but it’s another company making them, unless of course they are a subsidiary of WS!
There is a Household Cavalry Museum on Horseguards Parade where Trooping The Colour takes place if you look to one side of the archway you will see a board advertising the museum which is small, The Guards Museum (footguards) can be found at Wellington Barracks near Buckingham Palace is also a small museum.
There are some lovely UA-cam videos of the horses, on vacation, on the beaches in Norfolk :)
Back in thde day I heard the cavalry had an unofficial motto which they said was "Love and run." When they were equipped with armoured vehicles, witty squaddies changed it to "Screw and bolt."
Next time you listen to James Blunt singing ''You're Beautiful'' you can imagine him in his Life Guards uniform. 😀
It never ceases to amaze me the what a long history some of our military units have. I mean, over 350 years of continuous service!
Guards formed 1660s!!
Great as always. The "missing" unit is the Kings Troop, Royal Horse Artillery - famous for their musical ride. I watched them as a part of the old Royal Tournament at Earls Court. The gallop, guns rattling and harness's jingling made the seating stands shake. Magical. You see them usually firing the Royal Salutes in Hyde Park.
They’re not really missing, they’re just not a part of The Household Cavalry, though strangely they seem to be included in the Household Division! Very odd!
@@j.ksmith7432 Not missing as part of the Household Division, but missing as a part of London's Ceremonial units. They are of course, a part of the Royal Artillery. Just a missing from the list of must see Ceremonial units.
@@HankD13 I find this very confusing at times tbh, I no sooner think that I have the who’s who, and the what’s what clear in my mind but the goal posts get moved, well, that or my going gaga mind has muddled it again! If I’m stupid enough to think that I can google to confirm or not I then find that too often google don’t actually give a definitive answer so I’m back where I started! For instance, there is an ongoing debate (that’s the polite version!) on YT, which I expect you know has several videographers recording videos daily at Horse Guards, about whether or not tourists are allowed to touch the horses, the first time I saw it I galloped in, shooting from the lip because I knew, I absolutely knew that visitors were not allowed to touch, I ended up googling that for my own sanity and found that google backed me up……..but only in one place, in another it said the direct opposite! Still, onwards and upwards and all that tosh, ours not to reason why…..I just wish they’d make their minds up with the Kings Troop RHA because every time they go to babysit at Horse Guards we answer a shed load of questions (rightly or wrongly!) because the visitors have no clue who they are, yet if you remind them of the gun salutes in the park most of them do know!! Goodnight
My grandfather was in the ScotsGreys in the first WW, and we have his cavalry sword and boots. We also have a German officer’s sword that my grandfather “acquired “.
Additionally, we have photographs of my grandfather on two of his horses. One is quite nice looking, the other is, without a doubt, the most badly put together and uncomfortable looking horse l have ever seen. However, he does have a large, generous eye and huge ears which is normally a sign of a lovely temperament.
@@lizbignell7813 and a Huge Heart 🐴🐎
@Alexander Warby-Cooper, indeed.
I don't know if you know about the Scots Greys painting their horses. Because they were so famous as a regiment that only rode grey horses, they could be spotted from miles away. So they had to camouflage the horses with paint.
Both my grandfather’s horses were bay. Maybe they had to use other colours as the war went on? My great grandfather was in the Crimea where he took part in the charge of the heavy brigade which my father said that no one has heard of because it was successful. That could just be family myth, though.
The Blues and Royals were attacked in Hyde Park in 1982, they lost 4 men and 7 horses in the nail bomb attack while on ceremonial duty, 2 hours later the band of the Royals and Greens were also attacked in Regents Park with the loss of 7 men.
I remember that vividly, I was working in Knightsbridge at the time. I was horror struck, it was a scene of carnage
I remember that and Sefton with the country willing him to live. It was so dreadful.
That day was horrendous, bad enough the injured and dead men , but to see the horses lying dead or injured, really upset me for a long time.
It was one of the bands of the Royal Green Jackets. The Regiment was an amalgamation of 3 regiments - one of which developed from a battalion of the Royal American Regiment. The Royal Green Jackets are now part of The Rifles. - the largest infantry regiment of the British Army.
My late Mum saw this on TV, she was in tears for weeks, She wanted every Irish bastard in Britain bumped off-- hard to disagree.
"Multitudes are marchin' to the big kettledrum"
When The Man Comes Around by the late great Johnny Cash - a song he wrote after a dream he had about meeting the Queen.
In his dream the Queen said, "Johnny, you're like a thorntree in a whirlwind".
A little Friday Factoid for you all there 🙂 (For some reason this came into my head watching this).
Wow I did not know this
Call me old-fashioned if you will, but I feel like I just dropped acid.
@@grahamstubbs4962 why is that? I think Johnny probably did when he woke up too.. and then one of the greatest most beautiful pieces of music ever was created. 👌
Love your respect for all armed forces, my Cousin was a Blues and Royal, served in Afghanistan and Iraq as a Tank Commander, and also did his duty back home at Horseguards
11:40 the no2 dress there is standardised across the British Army to use in parades etc where full ceremonial dress (no1 dress) is not required. No2 dress being standardised means cost savings, and it means all soldiers can be issued with no2 dress, whereas no1 dress is generally shared and only issued when required in minimal numbers.
Keep up the great work ladies..RESPECT FROM ENGLAND ..God bless the U.S.A as well..
Trooping the Colour is coming, as well as the Coronation, you’ll be able to see all the Life Guards in their full beauty on parade.
Erm, AND the Blues and Royals of course!
Love you girls. It’s great that you’re so interested in our country, so please keep doing the videos as they’re really enjoyable. I hope you will be watching the Coronation in May.
The Cavalry soldiers carrying the axes were for dispatching injured horses in battle
New recruits spend 12 weeks learning to ride at Combermere Barracks Windsor. Then the finish their training at Knightsbridge barracks London. Passing out hopefully at the end.
I lived behind Combermere barracks and could often see them training. Looking through my bedroom window. I so wanted to join. But sadly then women were not allowed to join then. I was allowed in to do some work experience there for a while as I wanted to work with horses when I left school. Which was great fun. Not sure if it still applies but Windsor was used to train the new horses also.
I loved the drummer horses they usually have Roman emperors names. I remember how heavy the uniform was on average about 6 st. The winter costs alone were very heavy.
Really cool to hear the soldiers talking about things just a bunch of lads being lads relaxed when working
Your cavalry once had a ceremonial uniform. Shame you didn't keep the tradition. There are pictures of the 7th.
Our cavalry operate light tanks in the field. Carrying out pretty much the same role as mounted troops in the past. They were the long distance information gatherers.
And, British soldiers coats were lined in a blue cloth. So rebels, turned their coats inside out hence turncoats.
The armour in the display, at the start of the video, if I recall correctly is on display in The Tower of London. If you look closely you can see a where a musket ball has hit the armour (at about the @5:12 mark in the video) and was worn by a Roundhead at the time of the Civil War (1642-1651) between the Royalists and the Roundheads. That's one of the Roundhead helmets in the background and the cuirass, in the foreground, has an indent where it was hit by a musketball.
Most armour from that period has a musket or pistol ball dent in it. 'Pistol-proof', and 'musket-proof'. The cost went up with how proof against enemy fire it was.
The need to stop rifle bullets is why steel cuirasses like this are no longer used in war: the last time they were was in WWI, as a gentleman's accessory, like a steel skullcap.
By the way 'cuirass' is French and references that they were originally made of leather: 'cuir'.
In the English Civil War, you can see many soldiers wearing 'buff coats' which were thick leather armour overcoats, the cheapest real armour a man could be equipped with.
Might stop a cut from a sword, but not a thrust from a pike or a shot from a gun.
The Spiked Plume Helmet they wear today is The Albert Helmet origins from mid 1840s l believe with design ideas from Prince Albert ... look at lifeguard helmets before that date mid to early 1800s they were more ornate and spectacular with a black plume running from front to back .
One thing not mentioned here is that the drum horses reins go down to the stirrups therefore the two drum horses are controlled by the drummers/riders feet leaving both hands free to beat the drums.
I thought ud be interested to know i had a retired Household Cav horse for 9 years. Ive ridden since i was 3 and now im 65. Still have horses and still ride every day. Once they retire many are taken to the Horse Welfare who find them suitable homes....i was lucky enough to be allowed to have him.He lived to 30....i still miss him.
That is lovely to know. Gratitude often comes a distant second when many animals end their working lives. If I could own a pet I'd have a ex-racingrescue greyhound. Considering the money in the industry their treatment once they're too old to race is horrendous. So well done, our services!
Horses are strongly independent, but also greatly loyal and protective. Even though I was in the cavelary, I've had nothing to do with horses, only 54 ton tanks, most of that weight was my tank commander!
Did you notice the soldiers playing the large kettle drums on horse back were steering them with reigns strapped to their feet so they can have both hands free for playing. That must take some training steering a horse and playing drums simultaneously 🇬🇧
Love you both little Debbie's intro had a laugh out of me which in today's world is highly appreciated thank you
❤️❤️
My Dad used to run the Blue Ribbon Saddlery in Walsall, England. They used to make all the saddles and bridles for the NYC Mounted Police. They were also the very last factory to produce production side-saddles that ladies rode upon. The quality was so high, the business was bought by an American Dressage champion who lived in the center of Paris.
There is a saying amongst the Guards that a Guardsman has to be twice the man. This means that not only are they are a fully trained infantry battalion, but they have the added effort /honour of having to train for ceremonial duties as well. This also goes for the lifeguard regiments as well. The added dedication required for the role of ceremonial / modern soldier is truly impressive.
The Royal Horse Artillery on parade with their cannons are the most senior British Regiment, not these two but without their cannons they are the third. The drum horses have military ranks, the banners drapped around the drums are the regimental colours.
One of our family’s most precious photographs is of my husband’s Grandfather, on his horse guarding King George V at Buckingham Palace when our late Queen Elizabeth II was a child. He shared so many stories and memories of that time with us before he passed and was very proud of that fact that my late husband followed in his footsteps.
Why was he on a horse?
He was serving in the King’s Lifeguards and was on duty guard on horseback@@j.ksmith7432
I think alongside our Monarchy (leaving aside problematic members of the family) our military is the other big pride. Both our countries seem to be in an era of terrible politicians. Whenever I hear a sound bite from an American political figure basically stating that the UK is irrelevant these days, I think of you both and remember these views are not held by all, and some people have far more sense of history. You are some of the best ambassadors for your country and our special relationship on the internet.
I'll second that. Keep on doing what you are doing.
The Household Cavalry Drum Horses were in the funeral cortege for the Queen. The trumpeters also featured at the Funeral playing the Last Post etc. When they were invited to feature in the Bastille Day Parade in Paris one of the horses was called Agincourt - named after the battle where Henry V stuffed it up the French :) Don't know if the French knew that.
The massed bands of the Household Cavalry were on duty during the Queen's funeral.... Look again at the procession from the Abbey after the funeral for instance....
I've said before and I'm saying again, I truly love these two girls. It's rare to to come across such an apparently balanced couple, I really do wish them well.
06:30 The plumes were at one time made from shredded whalebone, but today I think it is either horsehair or synthetic materials.
At 10:30 the video mentions the "golden shoulder cords" worn by officers. These are known as Aiguillettes, which have metal spikes on the ends, and were used by cavalry officers to disable enemy cannon on the battlefield. This was achieved by driving the spike into the vent holes through which the ignition spark fired the cannon. It was considered an officer's privilege to perform this task, hence Aiguillettes were only worn by officers.
Commissioned officers wear the aiguilettes on the right shoulder, non-commissioned officers wear less ornate ones from the left shoulder.
The face strap under the chin, or under the bottom lip was actually adapted to help the helmet come off the head quickly after a blow to the head without choking or wrenching the soldiers neck.
The musicans wore these state uniforms and took part in HLM's Funeral and some of the horses also carried The Kettle Drums.
Did you notice, about half way through, when the film showed the troop of soldiers in the plainish brown uniforms, there was a woman marching among them (wearing a brown skirt)?
There are more women than people realise in Household Cavalry.
Working animals bring out some emotions I cant explain in me. 🥲
Like seeing a Police dog on duty sets me right off 😂
They’re constantly accused of abuse by some of the General Public, makes me very angry I’ve offered to show them real abuse but they’re not interested
Dragoons---basically mounted infantry, differentiated from 'true' cavalry as they dismounted and fought on foot. The term dragoon does, in fact, derive from 'dragon' being a name for an early firearm carried by these troops from it's reputed similarity to the fabled beast as it belched flame and dealt death.
To keep it simple: travel by horse, fight on foot = dragoon; travel by horse, fight on horseback = cavalry!
I would be sad to not have this beauty and Grandeur in our world ❤
Sadly I think that soon the Household Cavalry guarding Horse Guards days will be numbered. There doesn’t seem to be anyway to stop the ridiculous antics of some of the visitors; strange that that tradition has gone on for so many years, hasn’t been stopped but may well come to an end because of the very people that visit it, crazy.
Just to show you how mad we are on this side of the pond , take a look at " Up Helle Aa " Viking fire festival in the Shetland Isle on the last Tuesday in January .
Love learning with you ladies 😊
I see these processions and troops so often in London and never take the time to look into the history of them. Thank you for such a fascinating video 😊
Take a visit to the Guards Museum if you can, it’s next to Horse Guards
That uniform embroidery is real gold!! The hoof thing sounds awful but the horses are numbered on their hooves like a soldier has his number. They are treated as troops.. Thank you ladies from Britain.
Can you imagine the training those drum horses and soldiers go through? Especially since they’re are steered by reins attached to the feet of the drummers!
All the horses go on a break in the countryside in the summer. When they are retired they then go to a centre in the countryside.
You should see the two Shire horses that belonged to the late Queen Elizabeth. She loved these two horses and she still rode them into her later life, they are beautiful horses. ❤️🇬🇧
There’s a beautiful photo of her majesty taken between the two, absolutely stunning.
The foot guards refer to the cavalry as "Donkey Wallopers".
The word you struggled with- dragoon is; "drah-goon". Dragoons were mobile troops who rode on horseback, but fought on foot. The Household cavalry are a tank unit when not on ceremonial duties as the sovereign's bodyguard.
The helmet plumes are made of horse hair.
Wilkinson are the firm that make the swords for the military, they are also one of the UK's leading manufacturers of razors and blades and in the period prior to WWI made high end luxury motorcycles.
You clearly enjoyed this video so I urge you to have a look at the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery, also part of the Household Division.
I was going to suggest the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery as well. They have great uniforms, great horses and huge guns (and is apparently the only regiment which is a 50:50 split between men and women). I saw them doing their musical extravaganza up at the Royal Norfolk one year and seeing them in the flesh is incredible.
I have a sword made by Wilkinson, made for a competition that my late mother in law won,so its unique
They also make quality cutlery but the clue's in the name 'Cutlers to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth ll'.
Also known as the Piccadilly Cowboys
@@linnettsamuel5026 That sounds like an interesting story. What competition was it?
Did you notice the drum horses are commanded by their riders feet as the drummers hands are in use elsewhere!
Don’t know if anyone’s suggested this , but there is a web site that will give you a list of historic and present medals used in His Majesties British Forces
So when you see service men and women on parade in their dress uniforms, you will know where they have served , some are for special occasion not necessarily theatres of war
These days horses are used for ceremonial purposes. When they refer to cavalry being "armoured" it means that in battle they fight in tanks and armoured vehicles.
Dagoons best way to pronounce it is to exaggerate the double o's
"Dragooons"
🇬🇧 Norfolk with you guys every summer the cavalry spend a few days here in Norfolk at the coast Holkham north Norfolk to let the horses enjoy the surf and it’s a site to see 😊
Hiya gals 😃👋🏻 Since this footage is dated (by the Combat uniforms), there are now females serving in the Household Cavalry, although there has been females in the Band of the Household Cavalry (There was two bands, one each for the Life Guards & Blues & Royals, but recent years have amalgamated them into he Band of the Household Cavalry)
And yes, I do drive these guys & gals about in my coach or minibus 😌🇬🇧
there have been some famous members who have served in this regiment in its different affiliations , on active duty , the likes of Hollywood British actors Victor mcglagan ,Ray milland , musician James blunt ,comedian & magician Tommy Cooper & the most decorated member of the regiment was Michael John flynn who sore action In many modern day conflicts earning many high honours ( medals) .
Great video reaction girlies, I do love the military history programmes and think you would as well. My parents often took me I to the city to see horse guards for changing of the guard. The horses are beautiful and I'm sure there is a video out there on the training they do with them. One day you may both get to be here and see and feel a procession as you can feel the drums. Thank you again girlies for being so interested. Xx
My maternal grandfather, William (Bill) Leadley (1906 - 1967) was a member of the Royal Household Cavalry, the elite of the British Army, in the 1930s. As a member of the Royal Dragoons and the Royal Tank Corps between 1924 and 1938, he was in the "Royal" division of the Blues and Royals which amalgamated in 1969. The brass breast plated uniforms with the brass helmets and plumes (which are called Albert helmets named after Queen Victoria's husband, Prince Albert, the Prince Consort, formerly of Saxe-Coburg-Gotha) are unique to the Royal Family and belong to the Royal Family and when the soldier is not on guard duty at the Palace, they have to be returned to the monarch. The plumes were originally made of horsehair, but now are synthetic (nylon) and are 20 inches long. The horses belong to the monarch. My late mother used to say that her father was one of the king's men who rode the king's horse like in the nursery rhyme "Humpty Dumpty" (all the king's horses and all the king's men). I'm lucky enough to have a photograph of my maternal grandfather in his uniform. This is the reason why my mother raised me to be a monarchist.
I love the drum horses, i believe that when they are on parade they hold the rank of Major.
The state gold jackets the musicians wear, cost around roughly $12,0000 each, each being made of real gold bullion thread..
Hi Girls, firstly love your videos and the respect you show to our armed forces. I was in the Life Guards in the 70's (stationed at Windsor) as a gunner on Scorpion tanks and then went to riding school to learn ceremonial duties. I had never ridden a horse before and went from beginner to ceremonial duties in 12 weeks and boy do you work hard. The best part was is that I that I am a Londoner and Knightsbridge barracks was only 30 minutes from home. God bless to you both and keep the vids coming.
I came across a fact that might intrest you
King Charles 3rd can trace his family back to William the Conqueror in 1066, William was the Duke of Normandy at the time and great-great-great grandson of the Viking chieftain Rollo( first Duke of Normandy about 911), so would that make King Charles 3rd of Viking descent..
As no one answered the question - the plumes on the helmets are made from Horse Hair, from tails and manes. There are no women in the house hold calvary,, however lots of horsey girl types serve in the RHA (Royal Horse Artillery) which pull the field guns that fire salutes in Hyde and Green Parks.
There are quite a few female troopers in the Blues and Royals, and a few female officers. I haven't seen any female Lifeguard troopers though.
There are several female LifeGuards including a captain, who often takes the punishment parade at HorseGuards(the punishment parade or 4 pm inspections is so called because it’s said Queen Victoria passed HorseGuards and didn’t receive a salute. On investigation the troopers were found in the guardhouse, in their shirtsleeves-big no no being out of uniform in duty- smoking and gambling. As punishment she decreed that the regiment be inspected every day at 4 pm and this was to continue for 100 years. The hundred years came up a few years back and Queen Elizabeth decided it should continue) There are fewer female LifeGuards than Blues and Royals and they also have a Captain based at the armoured veh base in Bulford, but the proportion of males to females is changing fast. The Kings own artillery are almost half female today. Ask any of the male troopers on ceremonial who the best riders are in the regiment and they’ll freely admit it’s the women, mainly cos the women have usually been riding most of their lives.
@@paulinemegson8519 • Thanks Pauline. I sort of assumed that there would be female Lifeguards, but I have never actually seen one, whereas I have seen a couple of the female Blues & Royals Troopers and a Captain. I know that the female Troopers are considered the best riders by their male colleagues. (Thanks to our friend John of LCW and YT contributors like you and one or two others, I now know much more about H Cav than I ever did.)
According to one of the guests with Claire Baldwin, commenting on yesterday's Trooping the Colour ceremony, the Royal Horse Artillery now has a 60% female composition.
also, if a soldiers plum or helmet was struck and was coming off, the position of the chin strap .. if it were under the chin would cause the rider to be pulled back. Years ago, the Police wore patent leather chin straps. Many ex miklitary men wore them below their lip.. above chin.. then the Metropolitan Police in London for one ordered that the chin straps were no longer to be worn at all.. so if a knock was taken to the helmet the hat would fall off and not be used to drag an officer further. Helmets in the Police, male and female hats are concealed and deployed only at certain times.. are made of webbing and more sturdy than the oild patent leather ones.. so I think that is also an explaination of the position they were worn at.
A friend of mine was in the Blues & Royals musicians and looked so smart.
I think it’s easy to forget that although the American Revolution was fought against the British *government* of the day, the Patriots were still inspired by British philosophy, culture and political ideas - fighting for their ‘Rights as Englishmen’ - and largely considered themselves British until the more distinct American identity started to develop. And many in the UK we’re against the war and some even supported the Patriots, especially the Whig party in Parliament - the MP Charles Fox used to turn up to Parliament in Continental buff and blue for the duration of the war. In short we are cousins and brothers in arms, long may it last
My uncle was in the Blues and Royals band his best friend was lead drummer for the Blues and Royals
Another amazing video by you two awesome ladies. They always look smartly dressed. They have fought for our countries.
6:00 the plumes are made from horsehair
You may have seen the household cavalry band in their gold coats as part of the Queen’s funeral procession. They also appear at most royal ceremonial occasions. I’m always amazed at how they play instruments with both hands and still control their horse so well (with the legs I assume!)
Their reins are attached to their stirrup irons
Absolutely fantastic, as always! Have sent a suggested reaction on Patreon that is a great story of the bond between the US and UK stemming from WW2 but coming right to the present day
Interestingly the heavy brass players (e.g Tuba) get first pick of the horses, similar to the kettle drum horses. This is because they need a horse that is calm and reliable because the instrument is strapped to the musician. I knew a chap who played and he was offered a horse. Now he'd seen this particular horse being trained and turned him down because he was unpredictable. His section commander disagreed with him and decided to ride the horse himself at the county/horse show they were performing at. What did the horse do? Only went and took the water jump musician, instrument and all.
Got to work with the house hold cavalry as a civilian chef while they let the horses have a rest/holiday it was a pleasure 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧😁
Thank you for such an interesting video and reaction. Seeing this it has just made me realise not only the enormity of our late Queen's passing on emotional level but logistically the magnitude of things including uniforms, flags etc with her cipher will now have to be changed to C III R and as you can see all that stitching that is involved, be it machine or hand sewn. We have become so used to for 70 years seeing the same cipher I wonder how C III R will look on those uniforms.
I wondered if maybe those bits were detachable, would make life easier when changing them.
@@vallee3140 I don’t think Velcro was a ‘thing’ when the Queen took to the Throne! 😂😂 is now though!! 😂
I was thinking more press studs@@j.ksmith7432
The two regiments were amalgamated in1969 and not 1922, furthermore, the Household cavalery are part of the RAC (Royal Armoured Corps) with cerimonial duties. I served in the Royal Hussars (PWO) now part of the Kings Own Royal Hussars, so I have experience in such matters. The cap is not a forage cap, it's a peak cap, a forage cap it the sort seen worn by the Home Guard and at one time the RAF, the cross belt is known as a "Sam brown" I knew this information but still sourced it for clarification, so should video makers.
The plumes are 20 inches long and made from horsehair-- The Life Guards have white sheepskin over their saddles and the Blues and Royals have black sheepskin in their saddles :)
The reason the Household Cavalry form the senior regiments is that they descend from the gentlemen at arms who remained loyal to Charles II during his exile and accompanied him back to England as a personal bodyguard on the King's restoration to the throne. As the Restoration was essentially a 'clock reset' where the allegiance of the armed forces was switched from Parliament (as during the Protectorate) back to the Crown, there can be no older body than the group of men who stood closest to the King at that point and whose service ran unbroken through the period of exile.
I was under the impression that ‘The Blues’ were originally raised by Sir Arthur Haselrigge in response to a request from Oliver Cromwell, they later ‘turned coat’ when Charles ll was restored to the throne?
The uniform you see are called dress uniform, they are mainly for parading and they have one for active service. Can you see someone running in those high booths, great on a horse but not very good for walking .Also the guards have to pay for all their uniforms and even their horses up keep..
Sorry if this duplicates another post. Just to say that while there is a horse breed called Drum Horse they are not used by the Household Cavalry, whose drum horses are Shires or Clydesdale, mostly Shires from Wales, first ever mare was recruited in 2021.
The beautiful Juno. She’s a stunner.
My grandfather was in the Lifeguard's, he was in the mounted band, his horse was called Pig! My grandad used to tell us stories about them having to learn to use the reigns with their feet and the inventive ways their Sergeant Major had of.....encouraging them! 😂
Lol you guys are so cute love the hat Debbie keep up the good funny work
Hi my dad was in the blues and royals he told me from history of his regiment chunick was originally red but cos they used vegetable dye that when they got injuries the chunic turned blue
Just a little interesting point those Clydesdale drum horses apart from having special names also have “military ranks”
I found your channel last weekend and I hae been binge watching through the week, I must say you two ladies are so lovely and a credit to the US... as you can tell from my channel name, Im from south east London and born and bred in England. Love seeing the respect payed to the UK