The unmistakable red tunics are being buttoned, the boots polished to a mirror shine, and pride swells through Britain’s oldest regiment—because the Household Division’s newest soldiers are stepping up to serve the Sovereign.
Fresh out of the Infantry Training Centre at Catterick Garrison, Alma Platoon’s latest cohort of Coldstream Guards are preparing to take their place in one of Britain’s most prestigious traditions—The King’s Birthday Parade this June.
For these newly minted Guardsmen, many of whom only passed out last month, their first posting is nothing short of extraordinary. They will join Trooping the Colour, a magnificent ceremony steeped in more than 260 years of military pageantry and honouring the official birthday of His Majesty King Charles III.
Amid the drill halls and tailors’ workshops, the scene is one of bustling readiness. Scarlet tunics, adorned with the Coldstream Guards’ cap badge gleaming on every polished metallic button, are being meticulously fitted. Trousers are tailored with care. Every soldier knows this moment isn’t just about uniform—it’s about legacy.
Guardsman Joseph Mann, 27, expressed the awe and excitement felt by many:
“Going from pass out to the King’s Birthday Parade is very daunting. I didn’t think it was something I could go straight into as a new Guardsman, but ultimately the training here has made me feel prepared.”
Another soldier, Guardsman Brandon Westbury, also 27, described the significance of donning the ceremonial dress:
“When I was fitted for my tunic it was a very surreal moment. It made me excited to be a part of the parade and what’s to come in my career. Coming from Windsor, I’ve grown up seeing the Changing of the Guard and I never thought I’d be in their position. I can’t believe I’m now a Guardsman myself.”
And for Guardsman Harrison Fricker, 21, the parade carries extra meaning as the first in his family to join the Forces:
“I’m really happy to be going straight from pass out to the King’s Birthday Parade, it’s what I’m here for and trained to do.”
“It’s a very new life to my family as I’m the first to enlist, but they are very proud of me taking part in the King’s Birthday Parade so early in my career, they’re all trying to get tickets to watch me on the day.”
With 8,000 tickets, some available via public ballot, families from all corners of the UK will be watching with immense pride as their sons and daughters uphold centuries of British military tradition.
Lieutenant Tom Allan, Alma Platoon Commander, says he couldn’t be prouder of the progress the recruits have made in just a few short months.
“Throughout tough times in training I have reminded the Guardsmen that there is an end in sight; that being on the King’s Birthday Parade is the epitome of what we do within the Household Division.”
“I’m very proud of the guys. Watching them turn up as civilians in September and seeing them progress as the fine young men they are now.”
Though Lieutenant Allan is being deployed on Operation Interflex at the time of the parade, he won’t miss it:
“I will find the time out of my busy working schedule to watch my recruits.”
As the Household Division’s Coldstream Guards step onto Horse Guards Parade in front of His Majesty, the nation will bear witness not only to a historic ritual, but to the proud transformation of Britain’s newest soldiers—ready to serve Crown and Country with honour.
For King and Country.
Main Photo: Trooping the Colour for The Kings Birthday Parade. Photographer:
Sgt Donald C Todd – UK MOD © Crown copyright 2024
Kemi Badenoch is just not good enough to win the next General election- my view is that only Boris Johnson could win the next General election