First Female Infantry Officer Takes Command At Buckingham Palace

A Canadian soldier will make history to become the first female infantry officer to command the Queen's Guard at Buckingham Palace. 

Captain Megan Couto will take up the prestigious role with her unit, the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry (PPCLI). 

Speaking to Canadian media ahead of the deployment, Capt. Couto acknowledged the significance of her achievement.

"It is a big deal because of the tradition and the importance of the ceremony"

Capt. Couto will lead around 40 Canadian troops through the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace.

The Royal Canadian Artillery Band will lead the way, performing and marching along The Mall where tourists usually gather to watch the spectacle.

For more than 300 years the role of Mounting the Queen's Guard usually falls to the British Army's Household Division, which is largely made up of male troops.