Horse Guards Parade

Much of my London adventure was unstructured, so it wasn’t surprising to leave the hotel intending to visit a park and then stumble upon the Household Cavalry guard.    This equestrian sentry stands guard at the entrance to the Horse Guards on Whitehall.  It was an easy ride on the Tube.

The kids and I took the obligatory photo and were ready to move on when I realized all the other visitors had moved into the courtyard.  Ignorantly, we followed this crowd of people through the arches of the an eighteenth-century building. On the other side was a vast open space, the Horse Guards Parade.

Who’s who?

The sentry on duty was a red-plumed guard.  Only red-plumed riders were in the Horse Guards area for the first few minutes.

Before I say more, I’ll attempt to explain the distinction.  There are two  cavalry squadrons.  The group in the photo above shows the Blues and Royals.  They wear blue tunics and red-plumed helmets.  The unit that wears red tunics and white plumes are The Life Guards.  I’m sure that explains everything.  Of course, I had no idea what was happening.

Next!

Soon all heads turned toward St. James Park, where another equestrian contingent was progressing toward us.

Horses and troops

I may not have this right, but I think the trumpeter for each squadron rode a white horse.  Is this the norm?  All the other horses are black, a requirement.  I read that there is also a commissioned officer and a corporal major who carries the standard.  Are there ten other riders?  The squadrons stood facing each other as the cameras clicked.

Security at the Horse Guards

Two or three mounted police officers monitored the ceremony.

For many minutes nothing happened.

People tired and started drifting away.  We stayed to see what would happen.  It took thirty minutes before a horse finally moved!  Our friendly officer said the ceremony was longer because the king was in residence.  Finally, the Blues and Royals departed toward St. James Park.  We did, too.

If you visit London, consider stopping by the Horse Guards.  It’s a beautiful building and the King’s Household Cavalry adds colorful pageantry.  To see more cavalry photos, please click here.