The Queen's Royal Lancers formed in 1993 when the 16th/5th and 17th/21st Lancers amalgamated. The various constituent Regiments trace their formation back to the 18th century and in the case of the 5th Lancers back to the late 17th century. Over the course of their history, the Regiments saw service in every corner of the British Empire and fought in many famous campaigns such as the American war of independence, Peninsular War, Waterloo, the Boer War, the Great War and the Second World War to name but a few.

The Regiment wears the motto "Death or Glory", as its cap badge, given to the 17th Lancers on formation, following the death of General Wolfe from his wounds after their success against the French in Quebec.

 

During 2004 A and D Squadrons deployed to Iraq on Op TELIC 4 with A Squadron deploying again in 2005/6 on Op TELIC 7 and the Regiment (less A Squadron) in 2006/7 on Op TELIC 9.  Current commitments see A Squadron deployed to Afghanistan and B Squadron returning from guarding the Queen in London.  2004 also saw a huge upheaval in the structure of the Regiment when it converted from an Armoured Regiment equipped with Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks to an Armoured Reconnaissance Regiment equipped with Scimitar Reconnaissance vehicles.  The Queen's Royal Lancers are now established as the most effective Formation Reconnaissance Regiment in the Royal Armoured Corps. It goes without saying the Regiment has played its role in the structural change of the army be it in communications, procurement, management or human resources.

 

The Regiment is due to remain in Catterick for the foreseeable future and continue to be prepared for operations to Afghanistan whilst supporting training and operations for the wider Army. Despite this demanding and busy programme the Regiment still finds the time to run adventure training activities including skiing, scuba-diving, white water rafting, free fall parachuting and visits to former battle fields such as India, North Africa, South Africa and possible the USA whilst participating in sports such as rugby, cycling, equestrian, field sports and football in particular.