The Royal Navy Guard prepare to take over the guarding at Buckingham Palace from the Army.
They are changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace in more ways than one, as 48 sailors from across the Royal Navy have taken their places in history, on the forecourt of Her Majesty the Queen's London residence.
Representing many branches of the Royal Navy, the Senior Service's traditional navy blue uniforms have replaced for a short period, the distinctive red tunics worn by the Foot Guards. Starting at Buckingham Palace in full show of the general public, they are also set to Mount Royal Guards at Windsor Castle, The Tower of London and St James's Palace over the next few weeks.
It is the first time in more than 400 years that Sailors have replaced Soldiers at the Palace. "The last time the Navy had an operational role guarding the Queen was with Elizabeth the first, when Sir Walter Raleigh was appointed Captain of the Queen's Guard in 1587," said Lieutenant Commander Steve Elliot, Sir Walter Raleigh's successor in the role. "So it goes back a little while."
Steve's role as the Captain of the Queen's Guard is crucial in making sure that his Guard can seamlessly take on the role as the public facing protection for Her Majesty the Queen. "I've got a great team, who have put in long hours, make this all come together. I'm very proud of my Sailors today and they can be justifiably proud of themselves."
For the first time in its 357-year history, The Royal Navy has performed the changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.
Eighty-six sailors from an array of Naval ships and establishments have undertaken a month-long training programme in order to carry out the ceremonial duties.
Changing of the guard is normally carried out by Foot Guards from the Army’s Household Division regiments, complete in traditional red tunics and has been performed since the era of King Charles II in 1660.
The Royal Navy have temporarily taken over the world renowned duties to mark 2017 as “The Year of the Navy”. Sir Michael Fallon, the former Defence Secretary, heralded the move as “the start of a new era of maritime power.
