Household Cavalry horses to take August break from ceremonial duties in Central London
Anyone hoping to see the Household Cavalry's famous black horses standing guard in Central London later this month are set to be disappointed, after the British Army announced that no troopers or mounts will be on display for a period in August.
The 18th-century stables where the horses are kept while on duty are set to undergo a major deep clean – forcing the regiment to alter its routine and giving the animals some well-deserved additional rest.
It means that for the first time since December 2023, there will be no military personnel visibly on duty outside Horse Guards, the ceremonial headquarters of the Army in London.
Duties at the site are officially known as the King's Life Guard – or simply Kings within the regiment – and have been carried out by Household Cavalry personnel for centuries.
Although the soldiers will not be visible to the public, Army sources confirmed they will remain on-site behind the scenes in their security capacity.
In social media posts announcing the temporary closure of the stables, London District said: "From 17-28 August, daily ceremonial operations involving the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment will not take place at Horse Guards.
"This is to allow for infrastructure-related works to be carried out in the stables area. Guard Mounts will commence again at 11:00 on 29 August on Horse Guards Parade Square."
Pomp and precision
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment is primarily made up of two squadrons: the Life Guards and the Blues & Royals. When on parade, the Life Guards wear scarlet red tunics with white helmet plumes, while the Blues & Royals wear navy blue coats with red plumes.
The Life Guards, officially the most senior regiment of the British Army, was formed in 1660 by James, Duke of York (later King James II). Their counterparts in the Blues & Royals trace their official origins to 1661, although the founding soldiers can be traced back further to Oliver Cromwell.
Maintenance works previously halted ceremonial duties for a month in late 2023. This time, members of the public will still be able to walk through the historic archways beneath the main building – which still houses the office used by the Duke of Wellington in the 1810s, rumoured to be preserved to the Napoleon-defeating general’s personal tastes.
When not on Kings, Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment personnel and their horses are based at Hyde Park Barracks in Knightsbridge.
The regiment plays a central role at all ceremonial occasions throughout the year, including the State Opening of Parliament and Trooping the Colour.
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