Tower of London welcomes first Parachute Regiment veteran as Yeoman Warder
A Parachute Regiment veteran has become the first from his unit to become a Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London.
Lee Fox, who served for 23 years in the British Army, has been welcomed into the Yeoman Body as its newest hire.
Yeoman Warders need to have served for over two decades in the military, attaining the rank of WO1 or WO2, or the equivalent, to get into the iconic black and red uniforms covered with royal livery.
YW Fox said he felt "absolutely awesome" since changing his maroon beret for a Tudor bonnet in a video released accompanying the announcement on X.
He moved from Grimsby to London six weeks ago to live in the Tower of London for his brand-new job, explaining what it was like to be living in one of the most historic places in the United Kingdom.
"Living inside a fortress and a palace, it's just so surreal," he said.
"When the public go out and you're left with a space on your own on an evening.
"It's picturesque, it's scenic. It's everything that you wasn't really expecting, but it's so cool."
He revealed that he had wanted to become a Yeoman Warder for the past eight years, as he was inspired to chase his dream after watching Channel 5's Inside The Tower of London series.
Yeoman Warders blend their traditional roles, including the Ceremony of Keys, a closing ceremony that has taken place every night at the Tower of London without fail for at least 700 years, with modern tasks, such as giving tourists tours of the historic edifice in central London.
"I've actually taken the Ceremony of the Keys, which is an unreal experience," YW Fox added.
"A really proud feeling once you've done that."
The mental health advocate, who went viral on social media speaking on World Suicide Prevention Day last year, said that he has to work for another four months before he leads his first tour.
He concluded the video by saying that he is looking forward to dressing in the ceremonial dress and the state ceremonial outfit.
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