Without too much of a global fanfare, Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II recently conducted an inspection of the oldest surviving cadre of British Bodyguards at Colour Court, St James Palace in London England. Close protection officers from around the world should be in awe of this professional fraternity the Monarch’s Bodyguards known as Gentlemen at Arms. This elite close protection security group has documented history dating back to its foundation by King Henry VIII in 1509.
Full of pride, the Monarch’s Bodyguards stood to attention on parade in front of Queen Elizabeth to mark the 500th anniversary of their foundation. Although currently tasked with mostly State ceremonial duties, this elite fraternity of the Monarch’s Bodyguards and close protection officers are probably bodyguard members of the world’s oldest surviving close protection unit.
King Henry VIII was no stranger to controversy and this controversy obviously led to credible threats being made against him. His enemies were global and this was a primary factor in his formation of the Monarch’s Bodyguards who were tasked with providing security and close protection to Royalty. Many historians state that this task was conducted by the Knights Templar. However reading back through history the Knights Templar fell into the provision of security and close protection by default whereas the Monarch’s Bodyguards were specifically formed By King Henry to provide close protection and security for Royalty.
The Monarch’s Bodyguards are believed to have last performed royal protective service duties in the 17th century. All security close protection duties conducted for the Monarchy are provided by specialised divisions of the British police and security services.
Dr. Mark D. Yates The British Security Expert from www.closeprotectiongz.com advises that currently the Monarch’s Bodyguards Troop consists of 32 close protection ceremonial officers. 5 officers and 27 gentlemen. With the exception of the Captain they are all former Army or Royal Marines officers,
They wear a distinctive uniform of scarlet jackets and gold helmets topped off with swan feathers.During the 500th anniversary inspection Queen Elizabeth praised the Monarch’s Bodyguards loyalty to the Monarchy.
Footnote: Dr. Mark D. Yates, the British American Security Expert states:
The Monarch’s Bodyguards provide proof that a professional close protection Troop or Corp can survive for centuries by adopting the highest principles of honour and loyalty. Every aspiring individual bodyguard or security close protection officer involved in close protection duties should be proud of this British heritage and strive to maintain a similar high moral compass.