The story of the Household Cavalry is not just a tale of ceremonial pomp – it’s a living timeline of royal service, military tradition, and national history. From the battlefields of Europe to the heart of London’s ceremonial life, the regiments that make up today’s Household Cavalry have played a continuous and evolving role since the 17th century.

1660 – A Royal Guard Reunited

Following the Battle of Worcester in 1651, loyal Royalists went into exile with Charles II. While in Holland, a Royal Mounted Bodyguard was formed from these exiled troops. When the monarchy was restored in 1660, this bodyguard was officially recognised as The Life Guards, the King’s personal mounted protectors, beginning a tradition that has lasted over three and a half centuries.

1661 – From Roundheads to Royals

The origins of the Royal Horse Guards (later known as the Blues) are just as fascinating. They trace their roots to a regiment originally raised by Oliver Cromwell during the English Civil War. Following the Restoration, Cromwell’s officers were replaced by Royalists, and the regiment became the Royal Regiment of Horse – a key component in what would become the Household Cavalry.

1661 – Overseas Beginnings

In the same year, the Royal Dragoons were raised to protect the strategically important city of Tangier, part of the dowry that came with Charles II’s marriage to Catherine of Braganza of Portugal. The regiment spent more than two decades in North Africa before returning to England in the 1680s to join the new standing army. Their legacy continues today as part of the Blues & Royals.

1760 – Courage at Warburg

During the Seven Years’ War, the Royal Horse Guards (Blues) took to the field at the Battle of Warburg under the command of John Manners, Marquess of Granby. Granby famously lost his hat during the charge and saluted without it, a gesture that became a cherished regimental tradition still observed today.

1882–1885 – Desert Campaigns and Moonlight Charges

The late 19th century saw action in Egypt and the Sudan, where a composite unit of Life Guards and Royal Horse Guards took part in the dramatic Moonlight Charge at Kassassin. At the same time, members of the Household Cavalry were seconded to the Heavy Camel Corps, further expanding the regiments’ operational versatility.

1922 – The Life Guards Unite

Post-war restructuring saw the 1st and 2nd Life Guards amalgamate into a single regiment, known initially as The Life Guards (1st and 2nd). In 1928, the simplified title The Life Guards was officially adopted and remains the name to this day.

1945 – A Ceremonial Revival

After World War II, King George VI reinstated the ceremonial King’s Life Guard, consisting of six mounted divisions and two mounted bands. This structure is recognisably similar to the modern Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR), which remains one of the most iconic sights in London, loved by both visitors and locals.

1969 – Creating the Blues & Royals

A new chapter began with the amalgamation of the Royal Horse Guards and the Royal Dragoons into a single regiment: the Blues & Royals (RHG/D). This regiment has since served with distinction in Northern Ireland, Germany, and Cyprus, blending heritage with modern operational service.

1992 – A New Dual Role

The Options for Change Defence Review brought the two historic regiments even closer. The Life Guards and the Blues & Royals remained distinct but were formally combined into the Household Cavalry Regiment (HCR) for armoured reconnaissance duties, and the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR) for ceremonial roles in London. Each regiment maintains two reconnaissance squadrons at Windsor, and one mounted squadron in the capital.

Today and Always

The Household Cavalry continues to serve the Crown with the same dedication as those exiled Royalists in 1660. Whether on the battlefield, at the heart of royal ceremonies, or mounted on duty at Horse Guards Parade, the men and women of the Household Cavalry embody centuries of loyalty, service, and pride.