Mounted gunners take reins as King's Troop replaces Household Cavalry at Horse Guards

Mounted gunners have taken over The King's Life Guard at Horse Guards, replacing the soldiers of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment for three weeks, while they carry out important training.

The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery formally assumed the duty during a handover ceremony on Horse Guards Parade on Friday morning.

Its soldiers will now provide the mounted guard until 2 October at Horse Guards, the ceremonial entrance to Buckingham Palace and St James's Palace.

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The duty is normally performed by the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, which comprises The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals.

The King's Troop is known for firing Royal Gun Salutes and their pomp and pageantry at major state occasions, including state visits and the State Opening of Parliament.

Its gunners are trained riders who preserve the traditions of horse-drawn artillery. 

The unit was formed as the Riding Troop in 1946, following the mechanisation of the Army's remaining horse artillery units.

King George VI renamed it The King's Troop the following year. Queen Elizabeth II retained the name after her accession in honour of her father.