Soldiers Given Rare Chance Of Royal Ceremonial Duties

British Army soldiers from 27 Regiment Royal Logistic Corp have been given a once-in-a-lifetime chance to conduct royal ceremonial duties in London and Windsor.

Around 80 troops have been selected to support the Grenadier Guards in ceremonial duties between May and July.

27 Regt RLC, not typically known for its drills, is just days away from discovering if their months of training has paid off, with a 'fit for role' test before the end of the month.

If they pass the final test, personnel will be taking on some of the most prestigious royal ceremonial duties, including roles at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle, St James's Palace and the Tower of London.

Lance Corporal Abbie Pratt said: "From February to now, it's been non-stop, long nights, long days, we've all got through it, and it's got us to where we are now, it's a big achievement."

"Honestly, it would be a proud moment, especially for all of us, we've earned it, so we are going to smash it."

The Grenadier Guards sent mentors to Aldershot to help 27 Regt RLC's soldiers learn what it takes to be a guardsman – being immaculately turned out and with that all-important shine on their boots.

Private Tom Clayton said: "We finish, we get back to our rooms, we have a shower, then it's straight to work on your boots because these are what take the most time because they crack every single day, you then have to re-layer them straight afterward."

"A few, three, four hours a night [we spend] on them, but they will get there and be up to standard," LCpl Pratt added.

The soldiers have pushed themselves to the limit for this opportunity, with one fainting during a parade in front of their commanding officer.

Towards the end of April, 27 Regt will parade in full number one dress before a team from HQ London District which will decide if the standard is high enough to declare them 'fit for role'.

The duties ahead will include mounting the Queen's Guard and the Windsor Castle Guard and acting as ambassadors for their regiment and for the nation.

Sergeant Ross Revill said: "I've been in the military now 11 years and I have never done it.

"For me to march on Buckingham Palace square is just a great opportunity. I'm really looking forward to it."