Guns to guardsmen: 1 Royal Horse Artillery step up for The King's Guard

Soldiers who are trained to support troops on the battlefield with powerful artillery have swapped their high-tech weapons systems for rifles and bayonets so that they can guard the Royal Palaces. But they had to pass a gruelling test to get there.

On 7 May, soldiers from 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery (1RHA) took part in a special inspection at Wellington Barracks in London. Called a Fit For Role Inspection, it decided whether they were ready to take one of the most prestigious jobs in the British Army — guarding the King's most famous palaces.

From Wiltshire to the Palace

1RHA is normally based at Larkhill in Wiltshire, where the Regiment provides artillery support to 20th Armoured Brigade. From 8 May until 17 July 2026, they are on ceremonial duty in London and Windsor instead, one of only a handful of regiments outside the Household Division invited to take on this role each year.

It is a big change. The soldiers have had to master a whole new set of skills, learning the precise movements and commands required for some of Britain's most famous ceremonies. Their role is especially important because they are reducing pressures on the Foot Guards who are busy training for The King’s Birthday Parade next month.

For troops trained to deliver the Army’s lethal force in battle, a short tour in the spotlight as the public face of UK soft power gives them a strong sense of personal pride and reminds soldiers what they’re fighting for.

Major Rob Wills, who commands A Battery (Chestnut Troop), said: “It is always a privilege to command Horse Gunners and it is especially true in this occasion as we prepare for Public Duties in London this summer. Training has been tough; the days are long, but the weeks have been short. Anyone who holds these Horse Gunners close to their heart should be very proud - as I certainly am.”

A Canadian on parade

One soldier on parade stands out in more ways than one. Captain Will Simonds has travelled from Canada to serve with the Regiment. He is based in Petawawa, Ontario, with the 2nd Regiment, Royal Canadian Horse Artillery, and has been working with 1RHA's Chestnut Troop since June 2025.

Captain Simonds is wearing his distinctive Canadian uniform on parade — a proud moment for him and a nod to the close partnership between British and Canadian forces.

He is also part of a remarkable piece of military history. His ancestor, Lieutenant-General Guy Simonds, commanded the First Canadian Army during the Second World War — one of the most senior Canadian commanders of the conflict.

Captain Simonds said: “Having the ability to participate in the Public Duties Reinforcement Company is an outstanding opportunity as an individual and as a Canadian.

“Partaking in this world-renowned ceremony reflects the long standing and close relationship between the British Army and the Canadian Army; one rooted in shared history, common values, and a deep tradition of cooperation.

"Soldiers from both our armies have served alongside each other for generations and continue to do so, and I’m proud to play a part in that legacy here and in my previous experiences on operations overseas.”

Old hands and new faces

Standing alongside Captain Simonds are soldiers with very different levels of experience. Some took part in ceremonial duties the last time 1RHA had this honour, back in 2016. They are now the voice of experience, helping to guide eight Gunners who have joined the regiment in the past 12 months and are experiencing public duties for the very first time.

Gunner Williams, one of the youngest gunners on parade said "I am extremely pleased with the successful Fit For Role Inspection for our ceremonial duty. It was an honour to represent the gunnery tradition with pride and precision, and I look forward with great enthusiasm to any future opportunities to serve and uphold the proud legacy of 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery."

A test like no other

The tough inspection took place in London, within sight of Buckingham Palace, to decide whether the soldiers were ready. Senior officers from the Household Division — the elite regiments who normally carry out these duties — watched every move.

The soldiers were judged on their bearing, discipline, the accuracy of their step and their ability to remember dozens of new commands. Uniforms were checked in fine detail. Drill sequences had to be performed perfectly. There were no second chances.

Musical support for the inspection was provided by the Band of the Scots Guards, who will also support the Regiment throughout the public duties period.

To prepare, the soldiers had been trained by ceremonial experts from the Foot Guards, who taught them the complex drill movements required for the ancient duty of the King's Guard.

After an immaculate series of drill demonstrations, the Regiment was declared fit for role.

Londoners and visitors to Windsor may soon spot these artillerymen standing guard at some of Britain's most iconic landmarks.

A Regiment with history

1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery has a proud and long history. Formed back in 1901, the Regiment fought in Egypt and Italy during the Second World War, served in Northern Ireland during the Troubles, and has deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan in more recent years.

Today, the Regiment is part of the 3rd Deep Reconnaissance Strike Brigade, supporting armoured infantry operations. Ceremonial public duties in London are a very long way from their usual work — and that made passing the inspection all the more impressive.

Now the Regiment joins a small number of units outside the Household Division who hold the rare honour of being invited to carry out these duties.

Where to see them

The public can watch 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery carry out their duties from 8 May 2026 at:

• Buckingham Palace
• Windsor Castle
• St James's Palace
• HM Tower of London

Their final guard duty takes place on 17 July 2026.

These soldiers are proof that the British Army's skills, discipline and pride go far beyond the battlefield. Whatever the mission — from supporting armoured operations to guarding the King's most iconic residences — 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery are ready.