New England Online > Military > New England Army > Structure > Royal Corps of Armoured Regiments > Royal Household Guard
Royal Household Guard
| Royal Household Guard | |
|---|---|
 |
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| General Information | |
| Active: | 1 July 2034 - |
| Type: | Horse Guards |
| Role: | A Sqn - Formation Recon. B Sqn - Ceremonial |
| Size: | 2 Squadrons |
| Commanders | |
| Current commander: | Col. Glen Tutpike |
| Garrison/HQ: | Saumarez |
| Colonel in Chief: | HM The King |
| Symbols & Insignia | |
| Nicknames: | The Pickles |
| Motto: | I Serve |
| Shoulder Flash: |
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| Mascot: | Clydesdale Horse (Clyde) |
The Royal Household Guard is a ceremonial and armoured unit of the New England Army. The guard is the smallest of New England's armoured regiments, with it consisting of just two squadrons. It is one of only two units, along with Royal Border Regiment, to retain an unmechanised mounted force. The guard are nicknamed "The Pickles" after the Pickelhaube (or German spiked helmet) which members of the unit wear when on ceremonial duty.
Formed as a ceremonial unit in 2034, the guard maintains a special role in protecting the Royal Household and escorting the King when he opens parliament every year. The headquarters of the guard is the Saumarez Barracks, adjacent to Kings Parade.
Formation
In 2032, the King asked the First Minister, John Tudor, to consider forming a ceremonial unit for protecting Saumarez House and preserving the traditional equestrian rituals in the defence force. Tudor agreed, and ordered the raising of a single squadron in late 2033. The squadron was formally activated in July 2044 and was named the Royal Household Guard at the first mounting of the guard at Saumarez.
In 2044, the new Gordon government decided to add a second squadron in a Formation Reconnaissance role, with the two squadrons rotating every year between active and ceremonial roles. The newly elected Jones government has promised a review of the current arrangement, with the possibility of a third squadron being raised as a militia unit being a likely option. At present, the squadrons are arranged as follows:
- A Squadron (ASqn RHG) - Formation Reconnaissance
- B Squadron (BSqn RHG) - Ceremonial Duties
The squadrons are due to swap roles on the 1st November.
Battle Honours
Because the unit was raised after the Five Day War, there are currently no battle honours awarded to the guard.
