First to patrol the processional route were the police who stood every few yards with their automatic machine guns near the red-coated guards. The difference is that the soldiers, in their bearskin hats, had to remain at attention, or parade rest, while the police were far more casual.
The Irish Guards can be identified by the blue plumes on their hats and by the arrangement of buttons on their tunics.
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| Band of the Irish Guards |
Duchess of Cambridge; across from them are Prince Harry, on the left and the Duke of York.
I love the drummers in the mounted bands; the horse’s reins are attached to the stirrups so the rider can beat the time. See also the photo below.
The Queen and Prince Philip, in his uniform as Colonel of the Grenadier Guards, ride in the carriage.
Behind the Queen’s Carriage are, l-r, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge, in the uniform of Colonel of the Irish Guards; Prince Charles, Colonel of the Welsh guards; the Duke of Kent, Colonel of the Scots Guards; and Anne, Princess Royal, Colonel of the Household Cavalry’s Blues and Royals.
Here’s a closer shot of the Queen’s escort from the Daily Mail.
Finally, the Blues and Royals, in their blue tunics with red plumes, part of the Household Cavalry.
It was a magnificent parade; All the military and the Royals, along with hundreds of invited guests, were massed at Horse Guards Parade where the ceremony went on for just over an hour. While they were going through their paces, I left the crowd lining the Mall, most of whom were waiting for the return parade back to Buckingham Palace. But — not having a lot of Saturdays to spend in London — I decided not to wait but to explore further. Next, Marlborough House.