Army
Why The Army’s Household Division Was Rehearsing In The Dark
It’s 01.30am on Friday morning, most people are asleep, but for the Army’s Household Division, the working day has just begun.
The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and Band were all up, getting ready for parade.
They have been called out to rehearse their manoeuvres ahead of next week’s State Visit of The President of The Republic of China.
The three-day visit, which begins on Tuesday 20th October, will start with a ceremonial welcome at Horse Guards Parade.
They have timed this rehearsal in the middle of the night to cause as little disruption to the capital as possible.
By 03.40am, more than 1,100 troops and 230 horses were lined up outside The Mall in a full military procession.
Despite the darkness, the rehearsal didn’t skimp on detail, with musicians playing and the gunners firing a mock Royal Salute from Green Park, much to the bewilderment of late night visitors.
After hours of practise, by daybreak the troops were back in their barracks - the capital back to business once more, like it never happened.
Pictures: Sergeant Rupert Frere RLC
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