Grenadier Guards undertake their Fit For Role inspection ahead of royal return

Ahead of their next duties outside Buckingham Palace, members of 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards have been under the microscope with their Fit For Role Inspection at Lille Barracks.

After five years of operational duties, the Guards will take on the ceremonial duties outside the palace following on from two weeks of preparation.

The Fit For Role Inspection was carried out to ensure the Grenadiers were able to meet the high standard expected of them in the role.

• Queen Consort visits Grenadier Guards for the first time as Colonel-in-Chief
• UK and French troops rehearse Changing of the Guard ahead of historic ceremony
• Know your uniforms: The seven regiments of the Household Division explained

The inspection was overseen by Lieutenant Colonel Charlie Foinette of the Coldstream Guards, who praised the troops' preparation and drills.

"This is the Fit For Role Inspection of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards, they are coming into London District to perform public duties and ceremonial operations for the first time in about five years," Lt Col Foinette said.

"This is new to a lot of their soldiers so it's really an assurance check to make sure that their kit fits, that they know the parades and that their drill is up to standard.

"There is, of course, no question that they would be.

"This is one of our most important defence tasks, one of the things we have to get right. But will be flashed all over the world in high definition if we screw it up."

During the inspection, soldiers will be judged on their uniform, presentation and standards of dress.

They will also be inspected in terms of marching and parading.

Captain Robin Mackworth-Young of the 1st Battalion said: "Today, the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards are demonstrating their readiness and the standards that is expected of conducting ceremonial operations, as we transition from 4 Brigade into London District.

"So, a normal inspection is ensuring that the soldier being inspected has put the effort in and that they are at the standard required.

"Today, specifically, though, we're also looking at how the uniform fits itself so that before we conduct ceremonial operations and going forward, everyone fits their tunic and/or greatcoat as it is today, to the right standard."

When asked if the Grenadiers would pass their inspection, Lt Col Foinette said: "From everything I've seen so far, unquestionably."

The troops will return to King's Guard duties later this month.