Canadian army unit leaves Leopard tanks at home to take up ceremonial role in UK

A foreign nation has taken over the duty of the King's Life Guard for just the third time in history.

The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment passed the role over to Lord Strathcona's Horse.

The Canadian army armoured unit last took on the King's Life Guard role back in 2000, as it turned 100 years old.

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The dual-role personnel are now set for 10 days of ceremonial duty, taking watch outside Horse Guards as they celebrate their 125th anniversary.

Mounted Troop Leader Captain Tom Lauterbacher explained: "The regiment was founded in 1900 by Sir Donald Alexander Smith, who was the Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal.

"We were founded to go over to the Boer War and assist the UK in the conflict there. From there we received the King's colours on the way, on the return.

"We've been in World War One, World War Two, Korea, several Nato and United Nations missions, and also, Ukraine, Afghanistan and, most recently, Latvia as well.

"So the troop has been practising the entire year to make sure that we're prepared for this. It's an absolute honour.

"Every single soldier has been thinking about this, preparing for this moment to come over here and showcase his skills and show off our unit in the UK.

"For me, it's a dream come true, but also to be able to take part in such an honourable event is mindblowing for myself."

The public will see new faces on top of the same horses, because the Canadian soldiers left their own mounts back home.

"We have brought 24 riders, plus myself, and another senior representative," said Major Colin Peterson, the OC of C Squadron.

"We have taken the King's Life Guard horses. They are significantly bigger than our horses."

Maj Peterson also pointed out other difference between the British and Canadian units. "The brass breastplate is a big, big one. You won't see our soldiers wearing that," he said.

"We have our red tunics – that kind of goes back to our heritage and our history. You'll see our brass helmets with the plumes as well.

"Our riders carry lances compared to swords, so it'll be an opportunity to see the long lances with pennants on top.

"Each rider has a horse that they have been basically matched with. They get to know their temperaments or personalities or little quirks.

"The more skilled and more talented riders are going to be given some of the horses that might have a few more challenges and quirks – but they are well prepared to ride them."