King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery declared 'fit' for ceremonial duties

Soldiers and officers of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery are ready for a busy season ahead – including the King's Coronation in May – after spending several weeks polishing leather and brass to prepare.

They have now been declared 'fit' to perform their ceremonial and public duties after they passed the annual Major General's inspection with flying colours.

Major General Christopher Ghika, General Officer Commanding The Household Division, was in attendance to inspect the standard of horses, harnesses, guns, uniforms, and checked the soldiers' knowledge of military history and regimental ethos.

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The ceremonial unit successfully passed the inspection, in what is set to be an incredibly busy season which will include the King's Coronation, during which the Armed Forces are expected to play a major role in the proceedings, as they did for Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's coronation in 1953.

The men and women of The King's Troop have spent several weeks polishing leather and brass to achieve the required standards expected of them on the day of inspection.

The inspection day began on the parade square at the Georgian-fronted Royal Artillery Barracks – the longest parade square in Europe.

Following the inspection, the horses and riders put on a demonstration of their signature manoeuvre, the Musical Drive for the Major General, accompanied by the band of the Grenadier Guards, who entertained the public that had gathered to watch the military spectacle.

The inspection then moved to Woolwich Common where members of the public witnessed a display involving 68 horses and 59 soldiers.

The display provides the inspecting officer reassurance that The King's Troop can safely manoeuvre their guns around the tightest areas, handle any unforeseen events and conduct mounted sword drill to the highest of standards.

Members of The King's Troop, having proved their capability, returned to barracks to remove the dust, mud and grass ready for the busy season ahead.