Army

Airborne sappers passed fit to guard Royal Palaces

Watch: 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment declared ready for Royal guard duties.

Airborne sappers have been declared ready to guard the Royal Palaces after undergoing a rigorous 'fit for role' inspection at Wellington Barracks in central London.

The soldiers from 23 Parachute Engineer Regiment swapped bridge-building and water purification for the parade ground as they prepared to stand guard at Buckingham Palace, the Tower of London, St James' Palace, and Windsor Castle.

They'll be carrying out Ceremonial Public Duties for six weeks from late January to March.

The 110-strong detachment taking part in the duties, as seen passing their fit for role inspection in the video above, comes from across the regiment, including troops from Maidstone-based 70 Gurkha Parachute Squadron and reservists from 299 Parachute Engineer Squadron.

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