The Queen's Yeomen of the Guard
Official Royal bodyguards were first known as Sergeants-at-Arms in 1191 under Richard I and were the sons of Knights before being granted by letters patent to Esquires. Over the subsequent years titles changed but the job remained that of protection of the Monarch. The Yeomen Of The Guard was established at the Battle of Bosworth Field in 1485 by King Henry VII. The name itself honoring those that Henry VII had selected as his bodyguards not from the nobility but from the class who had proven themselves the national strength of England. Wearing the red and gold uniforms emblazoned with the Tudor Rose The Yeoman of the Guard honor the traditions and brotherhood set down by Elizabeth’s grandfather Henry VII.
Originally archers, the most feared soldiers of the field the Yeoman of the Guard have evolved into the best trained, best equipped, and best paid, the elite of all soldiers. So too has their responsibilities evolved from the singular duty of protection of the Monarch. They now protect the Royal residence be it a castle, the home of one of her many subjects, and even pavilions while her Majesty is on progress. They Guard the Tower of London and those that would do her Majesty harm that reside there. They even perform many ceremonial duties as requested by their Sovereign.
Amongst all these duties while on Progress the Yeoman of The Guard focus on their primary duty that of protection of the Monarch. Charged with keeping her Majesty safe from all harm from any quarter they are ever vigilant for her safety. Likewise, as her Grace’s Gentlemen Pensioners escorting the Queen they are the first face of the Monarchy. They too stand proud, strong, and inviting as their Queen. With one hand on their pole arm in defense and the other outstretched to bring forth to greet her Majesty...