5 July 2002: A unique parade of Royal bodyguards takes place at Buckingham Palace Colourful uniforms, centuries-old tradition and military precision were features of a unique parade held in the gardens of Buckingham Palace on the morning of Friday, 5 July 2002. For the first time in history all the ceremonial Royal bodyguards gathered together for a parade to mark The Queen's Golden Jubilee. The event brought together the Gentlemen at Arms, the Yeomen of the Guard, the Yeomen Warders of the Tower of London, and the Royal Company of Archers, as well as the Chelsea Pensioners and Military Knights of Windsor.  Three military bands - The Band of The Irish Guards, and The Pipes and Drums of The Royal Scots Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers and Greys) and the 1st Battalion The Highlanders (Seaforth, Gordons and Camerons) - opened the proceedings by marching on parade in the gardens of Buckingham Palace. They were followed on parade by Her Majesty's Body Guards and Royal Companies, who received The Queen with a Royal Salute. The bodies have long histories, many dating back to the Middle Ages, when they provided the Sovereign with a personal armed escort to protect him or her in war and peace. Nowadays they have a ceremonial role, attending The Queen throughout her reign on many State and ceremonial occasions, including coronations, funerals, garden parties and State openings of Parliament. The Queen inspected the assembled parade, attended by the Parade Commander, the Lieutenant of The Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms. The Captain General of The Queen's Body Guard for Scotland, The Royal Company of Archers, gave a speech of welcome to The Queen. The Royal Company of Archers is the Sovereign's personal bodyguard in Scotland. Founded in 1676, it was originally formed as an archery club, and the longbow is still the Royal Company's principal weapon. The Royal Company has 400 active members. Duties carried out by them include attendance at the annual garden party held at the Palace of Holyroodhouse, and events such as the Installation of new Knights of the Thistle and Scottish Investitures. Afterwards the In-Pensioners from the Royal Hospital Chelsea received their own Sovereign's Mace from The Queen. This means that the hospital, which has no colour, standard or guidon, can display it on formal occasions. In return, The Queen was presented with a gift of a parade chair. The special chair features the Royal coat of arms and a design incorporating the crest of the Royal Hospital Chelsea. The Royal Hospital Chelsea was founded in 1682 by Charles II for 'the succour and relief of veterans broken by age and war'. Still housed in its original buildings in Chelsea designed by Sir Christopher Wren, the hospital provides housing and care for former soldiers over the age of 65. There are currently around 350 In-Pensioners, whose average age is 81. The historic parade ended with a hearty 'three cheers' for The Queen, a Royal Salute and a final march past The Queen.    Back to July index