King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery: A legacy of equestrian excellence and ceremonial precision
Renowned for their exceptional horsemanship, immaculate uniforms, and ceremonial precision, the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery holds a revered position as one of the most esteemed units in the British Army.
Also known as 'the Troop', the mounted unit has the prestigious responsibility of performing ceremonial duties on behalf of the British monarch.
As the world eagerly anticipates the coronation of the new king, the Troop is preparing to play a crucial role in the grand ceremony.
A legacy of ceremonial excellence
The origins of The King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery date back to 1793 and the formation of the Royal Horse Artillery.
The unit in its current form was created in 1946 after the Second World War by merging elements of the Royal Horse Artillery and the Royal Field Artillery.
A Royal Decree was issued to have a mounted battery to fire salutes on state occasions, dressed in the traditional style.
As the custodians of tradition, the purpose of the unit from the beginning of its current formation was purely ceremonial.
Initially, it was called The Riding Troop but was personally renamed by King George VI to reflect his personal association and affection for the Troop.
After King George first inspected the Troop, he crossed out the name Riding and replaced it with 'King's' in the visitors' book, thus officiating the renaming with a flick of a pen.
The Royal connection
The Troop, which is based in Woolwich, south-east London, has a long-standing association with the Royal Family and has participated in numerous state and public events.
As His Majesty's Mounted Ceremonial Battery, the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery's role includes the firing of Royal Salutes to mark the grand occasions of State, including The King’s Birthday Parade, Royal Birthdays, and births, and last but not least coronations.
From the time that King George VI first inspected the unit and renamed it in his honour, the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery had a definitive connection to the monarch that named it.
In 1952 after the sudden death of the King, his Troop carried his coffin from Buckingham Palace to the Palace of Westminster.
The King's Troop also carried the coffin of Diana, Princess of Wales in 1997.
Facts and Figures
The Troop consists of approximately 168 personnel alongside 120 military working horses.
The soldiers are carefully selected from the Royal Regiment of Artillery, and their dedication to duty and commitment to excellence is reflected in their immaculate uniforms and disciplined conduct.
The King's Troop are the only unit in the British Army to hold an approximately 50% male-to-female ratio that fluctuates as Gunners leave and join.
The King’s Troop has already had 3 female Commanding officers, and currently, 5 of the 8 Officers serving are female.
The Uniforms
The uniform of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery is a striking and distinctive sight and includes a dark blue tunic with gold braid, and dark blue trousers with a red stripe.
When the Unit was formed following the Second World War at the request of King George VI, it was directed the saluting battery was to be “dressed and equipped in the traditional style”.
Whilst the uniform may look like a work of art, it is more a piece of armour. Lined in pigskin, it is constructed to protect its wearer from sword strikes. It is lighter and more flexible than that of the Household Cavalry to enable soldiers to mount/dismount and bring the guns into and out of action as quickly as possible.
The gold brocade protects the chest, the buttons emulate musket balls, and the raised collars prevent penetration of lethal slashes to the neck or throat.
Their faux fur busby is different between Officers and Gunners, the white ostrich feather plume (for the Officers) stands tall so that all Gunners can see the timings of the Order Signals whilst the horse hair plume (For the Gunners) could be used as a shaving brush and can be used to hold their wedding rings (so they don’t get caught whilst operating the Guns).
Looped around the busby is a golden lanyard holding up the red busby bag, historically used to orders or identity documents or even to hold snacks and dried fruit as rations for the Gunners.
The Musical Drive or 'Troop's Ballet'
One of the most iconic and awe-inspiring displays performed by the King's Troop is the Musical Drive.
Often referred to as the 'Troop's Ballet', during the Musical Drive, the Troop's soldiers guide teams of six horses pulling the historic 13-pounder field guns through intricate manoeuvres, choreographed to music.
The Musical Drive was first performed in 1897, and many of the manoeuvres have not changed since then.
The display features breathtaking feats such as wheeling, threading the needle, and crisscrossing at full gallop, all performed with flawless precision.
The Musical Drive can be seen at shows around the UK and is always a key feature at the annual Royal Windsor Horse Show.
The Troop's role in the Coronation
During the coronation, the King's Troop will play a crucial role in the ceremonial artillery support.
The King’s Troop will not take part in the initial King’s Procession but will move from their Forming up Point to the Horse Guards Parade where the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery will fire a gun salute from Horse Guards Parade to mark the moment HM King Charles III is crowned.
The Troop's six limbers, which are horse-drawn carriages, will carry the historic First World War-era 13-pounder field guns, also known as 'The Six'.
These guns will fire a Royal salute to mark the coronation, adding a resounding and awe-inspiring element to the ceremony.
They will be led by the Officer Commanding Major Frances Sykes who will be riding at the head of the Troop, giving commands, and ensuring the smooth execution of the ceremonial duties.
During the Crown procession, the King’s Troop will join the front detachment on the return leg up the Mall.
As the coronation unfolds, the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery will stand out as a symbol of tradition, heritage, and ceremonial excellence.
Their impeccable uniforms, outstanding horsemanship, and precise artillery drill will add a sense of grandeur and spectacle to the occasion.
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