The Coldstream Guards is one of the seven regiments in the Household Division - the personal troops of Her Majesty the Queen.
Formed in 1650 as part of the New Model Army during the English Civil War, the regiment swore allegiance to King Charles II in 1660 and has guarded the country's monarchs since.
The regiment epitomises the British Army's values and standards: selfless commitment, respect for others, loyalty, integrity, discipline and courage. Drawing strength from its heritage to face the challenges of the future, the Regiment lives by its motto, 'Nulli Secundus' or 'Second to None'.
The primary role of the Coldstream Guards is as light role infantry, capable of deploying anywhere in the world at short notice to conduct any task. Conventional warfare, counter-insurgency, peace support and 'hearts and minds' civil aid tasks are all part of the Regiment's demanding daily regime.
The regiment has three core elements
- 1st Battalion: The elite light role infantry unit of 600 men
- Number 7 Company: The ceremonial company of 100 men, based in Wellington Barracks, London
- The Regimental Band of the Coldstream Guards: The world-famous military marching band
The Coldstream Guards recruit from across the UK, with strong ties to the north east and south west of England.
Before joining the Regiment, trainee Guardsmen complete the gruelling 30-week Combat Infantryman's Course at the Infantry Training Centre in Catterick. Officers train for one year at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst before commissioning, followed by the Platoon Commander's Course at the Infantry Battle School in Brecon.
As part of their duties, the Coldstream Guards also contribute to world-famous ceremonial occasions, such as Changing of the Guard and Trooping the Colour and are distinctive for the black bearskin caps and red tunics worn by the five regiments of the Foot Guards.