The QRH was formed on the 1st September 1993, with the amalgamation of The Queen's Own Hussars and the Queen's Royal Irish Hussars. The Regiment has been particularly active since amalgamation.

It was the first Regiment to deploy Challenger 1 tanks into Bosnia with the NATO Stabilisation Force in 1996 and soon after it deployed to Northern Ireland in the dismounted role.

An independent tank squadron deployed to Kosovo in 2001 with Challenger 2 tanks, before the Regiment deployed as a whole later that year in the dismounted role.

The current Regiment embodies the traditions and fighting spirit of its predecessors. It is currently based in Sennelager, Germany where it makes up the Armoured Regiment of 20 Armoured Brigade.

Traditions and Privileges

In over 300 years of distinguished service the Regiment has gained a number of unique privileges and traditions.

The Regimental colour is garter blue. This dates back to 1685 when the Regiment wore the Queen's livery with garter blue feathered hats.

The wide use of green in Regimental uniform reflects the proud association with the people of Ireland. All ranks wear green jumpers and berets. Officers can be distinguished by their distinctive 'tent' hat.

At the Battle of Almenara in 1710 the 8th Hussars defeated the Spanish Cavalry Corps and taking the Cross Belts from the enemy cut the Spaniards down with their own swords.

This action earned the Regiment the nickname of 'St Georges Crossbelts'. Crossbelts are still worn by the Regiment today, and the Regimental Journal and Polo Team preserve the nickname 'The Crossbelts'.

After the Jacobite rebellion in 1745, all officers of the army were required to toast the sovereign in their mess after dinner. The King, however, absolved the Regiment from this duty saying that their loyalty had never been in doubt.

 To this day, the officers neither drink the loyal toast nor observe the National Anthem when played in the mess.