Following an announcement by the Ministry of Defence on 1st April, The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment has been confirmed to provide the Sovereign's Escort and Captain's Escort for the wedding of Prince William and Miss Catherine Middleton on 29th April.
As the wedding party travels from Westminster Abbey to Buckingham Palace, The Life Guards and Blues & Royals of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment will form a Sovereign's Escort for Her Majesty The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh, as well as Captain's Escort for the Bride and Groom. The escorts will involve almost 200 horses and soldiers on the day.
Lt Col. Dan Hughes said: “We are honoured to have such a pivotal role in the Royal Wedding, especially considering we have former colleagues of Prince William serving with us today. Prince William’s former Squadron, D Squadron HCR will be wishing the Royal couple good luck from Helmand Province, Afghanistan where they are currently deployed. Among the soldiers riding on the parade, many are recent veterans of the war in Afghanistan and Iraq, the younger members will be due to serve on Operations in 2013.”
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment is already conducting intensive rehearsals in preparation of the big day. A pair of the regiment's infamous jackboots can take up to eight hours of polishing for such a high profile event, just an example of the care and attention needed from the soldiers.
“At the moment we practise our drills pretty much every day, points that will be pertinent to this important event. Control of your horse, riding straight and dressed-off with your neighbour, precise and yet elegant sword drill, ‘carrying’ your plume, projecting your words of command...there is so much that goes into such a spectacle,” said Capt. James Hulme.
For more information about the Royal Wedding please visit
www.officialroyalwedding2011.org
