The Band of The Life Guards

Band History

When Charles II entered London at his restoration on 29 May 1660, his triumphal procession was led by Kettle Drummers and Trumpeters, followed by the King's Troop of Life Guards. At this time only "privileged" people were allowed to possess Kettledrums and Trumpets. Of the Household Troops only Life Guards and Royal Horse Guards were given the privilege. At this time these instruments also served as a form of communication on the battlefield. 

In 1685, the Trumpeters of The Life Guards were ordered to wear a red plume on their helmets instead of the white plume and were also mounted on grey horses. Today the Band ride black horses, the Drummer by tradition rides a piebald or skewbald horse. The Drum horses are named after Classical Greek Heroes, and carry solid silver Kettledrums, which weigh 80 lbs each and were presented by HM King William IV in May 1831.

The State Dress of the Band and Trumpeters consists of a heavily embroidered gold tunic with a dark blue jockey cap, buckskin riding breeches and thigh length boots. This is the oldest ceremonial uniform in the regular army, and can only be worn by permission of the Monarch or at the request of the Lord Mayor of London.