To honour our Queen

The Household Cavalry faces the busiest season in its 360-year history, but its dedicated men and women are ready for the challenge, reports Octavia Pollock

- Octavia Pollock

BEHIND every gleaming flank, shining jackboot and smooth manoeuvre lie hours upon hours of grooming, polishing and practice. The public face of the Household Cavalry echoes a theatrical extravaganza, impeccable in its appearance and movements, with not a drooping extra or dragging hoof to betray the titanic amount of preparation. Even when things go wrong, few will even notice: 'At the MajorGeneral's review, one horse bucked and spun round,' says Capt Freddie Howard-Keyes, Staff Captain of London District. The soldier put his leg on, cantered in a circle and fitted back in very impressive horsemanship.'

In 2022, the regiment is tackling the biggest season in its history, with the Royal Windsor Horse Show, parades and rehearsals this month, plus the jubilee celebrations in June. 'We've never had a Platinum Jubilee before,' notes Adjutant Capt Ed Keith, responsible for day-to-day business. 'It's a first for us, unusual for a regiment with so much history.' It is also less prepared than ever, after Covid denied 80% of its men and women, not to mention horses, the usual round of ceremonial duties, let alone a four-division Sovereign's Escort. 'It will really test the character of the regiment,' says Capt Keith. The soldiers are nervous, but I have a warm sense of confidence in them.'