Next Tuesday, Her Majesty The Queen will welcome Their Majesties The King and Queen of The Netherlands at Horse Guards Parade on the occasion of a State Visit to London. The VIP Visitors will enjoy a ceremonial welcome on Horse Guards Parade at the start of their two-day State Visit to Britain.
In preparation troops practised timings and moves “secretly” under the cover of darkness on the capital’s roads.
While the soldiers worked without music and were not dressed in ceremonial uniform for the rehearsal, every aspect of the State visit was performed as it will be for the actual event. Strict focus was on attention to detail.
Perfection is always the aim for the British Army.
After meticulous preparation at both Wellington Barracks and Hyde Park Barracks the highly skilled soldier deployed just after 03.30am. Troops from Nijmegen Company Grenadier Guards, 7 Company Coldstream Guards and F Company Scots Guards were in position lining the Mall from around 4.15am. The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, with horses and guns were positioned in the Green Park and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and the Band of the Household Cavalry departed Hyde Park Barracks, Knightsbridge for Horse Guards Parade at 0.400am.
The 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards Guard of Honour and the Sovereign’s Escort were in place on Horse Guards from 04.50am.
The Royal Carriage Procession and Sovereign’s Escort of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment left Horse Guards Parade for Buckingham Palace via the Mall at 0520am.
At 05.35am all troops returned to barracks.
An Army spokesman said: “While the rest of London was asleep these committed soldiers proved that they are always ready to serve and have the skills and professionalism to do the country proud.
“The scene is now set for a magnificent and inspiring State visit.”
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