So we have here the colour guard of the Blues and Royals, Household Cavalry. The Blues and Royals used to be a separate Regiment, and the Life Guards was the other making up the Household Cavalry until they amalgamated them both a few years back.
The Officer has his sword drawn, to protect the "Colours" and most likely the duty "Colour Sergeant" with Colours covered, and the Duty Trumpeter on the white horse, riding slightly behind the colours which will always be in front.
You would not have the colours unfurled unless it was an official showing of them, my best guess is they are simply moving them or training, I honestly don't think there is anything to it. The Standard isn't flying at Buckingham Palace meaning the King isn't there, I can't quite make out who they gave the "Eyes right" salute too, but it looked like they past a gate or entrance or possibly paying respect to the Princess Diana memorial imho if they were heading up towards Admiralty Arch.
And no, the duty trumpeter isn't missing a leg, them riding boots cover a long way up the leg, and the rest of his leg is hidden between the horses "numnah" (The black sheepskin material the saddle sits on) and his winter red coat.
When the King is in residence (At which ever palace/castle/house or the Royal Arms of Scotland when he's there in Scotland) the Royal Standard will be flown, when he's not it'll be the Union flag.
I think the narrator is confusing the State Trumpeters with the mounted duty trumpeters and escorts of the Blues and Royals Regiment. I can't recall the original reason, but the bulk of the horses the Blues and Royals ride are always "Blacks" usually Irish Draught breed. I suspect the use of a grey horse (technically there's no such thing as a white horse) is to differentiate between the fighting troops and those who would sound the various orders for charge's etc during battle.
These Regiments have a long history with many different honours and traditions, my Cavalry Regiment for instance was also part of the charge of the light brigade in 1854.
I think what got everyone's attention was the colours being sheathed in black. I've never seen that before - has anyone else? Any photos anywhere, anything?
So we have here the colour guard of the Blues and Royals, Household Cavalry. The Blues and Royals used to be a separate Regiment, and the Life Guards was the other making up the Household Cavalry until they amalgamated them both a few years back.
The Officer has his sword drawn, to protect the "Colours" and most likely the duty "Colour Sergeant" with Colours covered, and the Duty Trumpeter on the white horse, riding slightly behind the colours which will always be in front.
You would not have the colours unfurled unless it was an official showing of them, my best guess is they are simply moving them or training, I honestly don't think there is anything to it. The Standard isn't flying at Buckingham Palace meaning the King isn't there, I can't quite make out who they gave the "Eyes right" salute too, but it looked like they past a gate or entrance or possibly paying respect to the Princess Diana memorial imho if they were heading up towards Admiralty Arch.
And no, the duty trumpeter isn't missing a leg, them riding boots cover a long way up the leg, and the rest of his leg is hidden between the horses "numnah" (The black sheepskin material the saddle sits on) and his winter red coat.
Honestly don't see much wrong with it.
it has sometimes been said that UNDERSTANDING is better than REACTING.
In that vein, RESEARCH is better than RANDOM SPECULATION.
(seeing a lot of random speculation in the thread, and far too little research. This comment from u/scorpion76 should be top and stickied.)
Thanks anon, I appreciate the comment. Regards.
The narrator seemed confused with the Flag not flying at the Palace. Didn’t he say something like “the white horse only comes out for the King”?
When the King is in residence (At which ever palace/castle/house or the Royal Arms of Scotland when he's there in Scotland) the Royal Standard will be flown, when he's not it'll be the Union flag.
I think the narrator is confusing the State Trumpeters with the mounted duty trumpeters and escorts of the Blues and Royals Regiment. I can't recall the original reason, but the bulk of the horses the Blues and Royals ride are always "Blacks" usually Irish Draught breed. I suspect the use of a grey horse (technically there's no such thing as a white horse) is to differentiate between the fighting troops and those who would sound the various orders for charge's etc during battle.
These Regiments have a long history with many different honours and traditions, my Cavalry Regiment for instance was also part of the charge of the light brigade in 1854.
Thank you very much for the information and your insights! Thank you for your service.
You're welcome anon, have a blessed day.
I think what got everyone's attention was the colours being sheathed in black. I've never seen that before - has anyone else? Any photos anywhere, anything?
Our Regimental Guidon (Battle Honours) were often covered, but when they were on display we would salute them as we past them in RHQ.