The Royal Canadian Regiment and The Royal Canadian Artillery Band to assume public duties as the Queen’s Guard

News release

October 19, 2018 – London, United Kingdom – National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

On Sunday, October 21, 2018, a contingent of 80 personnel from The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) and 35 members of The Royal Canadian Artillery (RCA) Band will assume public duties as the Queen’s Guard in London, United Kingdom (UK). The mounting of The Queen’s Guard will continue until Monday, November 12, 2018.

The Queen’s Guard are soldiers charged, in support of the civil authorities, with guarding the Sovereign and the official royal residences in the UK. These include Buckingham Palace, St. James’s Palace, Windsor Castle and the Tower of London.

The Royal Canadian Regiment is continuing a tradition of Commonwealth soldiers working closely with UK partners and demonstrating the professional capabilities of the Canadian Armed Forces. The soldiers participating in the public duties act as sentries throughout the day and night.

Additional multimedia

Members of The Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) present arms, with musical support from the Royal Canadian Artillery Band, during a dress rehearsal and farewell parade in preparation for public duties in the United Kingdom at 4th Canadian Division Support Base Petawawa, on October 4, 2018. Photo: Corporal Jay Ekin, 3rd Canadian Division. ©2018 DND/MND

A double rainbow shines over the parade square during a parade rehearsal in the United Kingdom by The Royal Canadian Artillery Band at the Cavalry barracks; the London Borough of Hounslow, on October 13, 2018. Photo: Corporal Jay Ekin, 3rd Canadian Division ©2018 DND/MND

Quotes

“Participating in these ceremonial events in London is a great opportunity for The Royal Canadian Regiment to highlight its strong history and heritage with The Crown. We are extremely proud to have been invited to be the representatives for Canada by contributing to The Queen’s Guard and Windsor Guard.”

Major Bennett Lacey, Public Duties Commander, The Royal Canadian Regiment Guard, 3rd Battalion, The Royal Canadian Regiment

Quick facts

Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II granted Canada the opportunity to mount public duties in London and Windsor. Units from the British Empire and the Commonwealth have periodically mounted the King’s Guard/Queen’s Guard beginning in September 1916 when Canada provided soldiers from the 117^th (Eastern Townships) Battalion, Canadian Expeditionary Force, to undertake public duties.
The British Army had regiments of both Horse Guards and Foot Guards predating the English Restoration in 1660. Since the reign of King Charles II, guard units have been responsible for guarding the official royal residences.
The Royal Canadian Regiment shares a long history and heritage with The Crown. The Regiment was granted the right to wear the Imperial Crown and Cypher by Queen Victoria in 1893. “Victoria Regina Imperatrix” (Victoria, Queen, Empress) or “VRI” is worn prominently and proudly on the Regimental cap badge. In 1919, The Regiment received permission from King George V to wear the Imperial Crown and Cypher permanently.

Associated links

Contacts

Media Relations
Department of National Defence
Phone: 613-996-2353
Email: mlo-blm@forces.gc.ca

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Date modified:: 2018-10-19