Soldiers and officers from Wiltshire-based The King’s Royal Hussars (KRH) paraded at Aliwal Barracks, Tidworth in a review to ensure they had achieved the high standard required to perform their public duties.

The inspection of No.1 dress ‘blues’ uniforms and drill movements were carried out by a team from London District, the Household Division and Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards and 96 personnel were scrutinised before taking on their ceremonial duties at royal residences in London and Windsor.

Garrison Sergeant Major HQ London District, Warrant Officer Class One Vern Stokes part of the London team responsible for the Fit for Purpose Inspection said:

“The hard work the KRH have put in was evident from the moment I stepped on to the drill square.

“The inspection is first and foremost whether every soldier on parade is smart enough to stand outside the Royal palaces, prepared for the role and thirdly, knows exactly what they are doing on sentry.

“Public duties is the protection of the palaces. What we deliver, simply can’t fail.”

Following weeks of rehearsals perfecting the drill sequences and the meticulous detail to their distinguished uniforms the cavalryman from C Squadron were passed ‘fit for role’.

Warrant Officer Class One Vern Stokes said:

“The soldiers should all be incredibly proud of the standards they have achieved today they have passed with flying colours.

“They all look amazing in their crimson trousers something quite different to what we normally see in London and Windsor and I look forward to seeing them there.”

This is a proud moment for the cavalry regiment as it marks the first time in their 305 years that they have had the privilege of providing troops for the Queen’s Guard at St James’s Palace and Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle Guard and the Tower of London Guard.

The military tradition with a long history dating back to the 17th century is a rare honour for a non-Household Division unit.

Major Tom Gibbs, Officer Commanding C Squadron said:

“It is a huge privilege and an absolute honour to stand guard outside the palaces for the first time in Regimental history. It makes it slightly humbling that we get to do it now but perhaps not in the full ceremonial mode that we hoped for but it’s going to be fantastic.

The soldiers have worked really hard over the last couple of weeks and now we are going to do one of the most unique things you can do in the Army.”

The inspection was accompanied by musicians from the Army Band Tidworth.