Royal Navy sailors to takeover as the guards of Windsor Castle

SAILORS are gearing up to guard Windsor Castle after a successful inspection by some of the sharpest eyes in the British Army.

By Tom Cotterill

Published 27th Nov 2020, 16:38 BST

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First sentries from a division of 35 sailors, drawn from establishments across the UK, will be posted at the castle from Monday.

They will complete their duties on December 21.

It is the third year the Royal Navy has provided guards to the Royal palaces but reduced this year with a smaller division trained for public duties.

Pictured: Sailors take part in an official inspection at Victoria Barracks, prior to taking over Royal Duties from the Army at Windsor Castle.
Credit: LPhot Dan Rosenbaum, FRPU(E) — Pictured: Sailors take part in an official inspection at Victoria Barracks, prior to taking over Royal Duties from the Army at Windsor Castle. Credit: LPhot Dan Rosenbaum, FRPU(E)

Pictured: Sailors take part in an official inspection at Victoria Barracks, prior to taking over Royal Duties from the Army at Windsor Castle.
Credit: LPhot Dan Rosenbaum, FRPU(E) — Pictured: Sailors take part in an official inspection at Victoria Barracks, prior to taking over Royal Duties from the Army at Windsor Castle. Credit: LPhot Dan Rosenbaum, FRPU(E)

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Having paraded at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday the same group has remained in their bubble for training and will now move on to Windsor.

It was there, within Victoria Barracks, that the inspection from the Army’s Household Division took place yesterday, making sure the navy is capable of stepping in for Foot Guards.

Captain of the guard, Lieutenant Commander Oliver James said: ‘It’s an immensely proud and privileged position to hold and it’ll be something to remember for the rest of my career.

Pictured: Sailors take part in an official inspection at Victoria Barracks, prior to taking over Royal Duties from the Army at Windsor Castle.
Credit: LPhot Dan Rosenbaum, FRPU(E) — Pictured: Sailors take part in an official inspection at Victoria Barracks, prior to taking over Royal Duties from the Army at Windsor Castle. Credit: LPhot Dan Rosenbaum, FRPU(E)

Pictured: Sailors take part in an official inspection at Victoria Barracks, prior to taking over Royal Duties from the Army at Windsor Castle.
Credit: LPhot Dan Rosenbaum, FRPU(E) — Pictured: Sailors take part in an official inspection at Victoria Barracks, prior to taking over Royal Duties from the Army at Windsor Castle. Credit: LPhot Dan Rosenbaum, FRPU(E)

‘The inspection went really well, everyone has trained exceptionally hard for it.’

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Due to the restrictions of Covid-19 prevention measures, there will be no musical support whenever the Royal Navy mounts or dismounts the guard.

The castle is currently closed to visitors.

Pictured: Sailors take part in an official inspection at Victoria Barracks, prior to taking over Royal Duties from the Army at Windsor Castle.
Credit: LPhot Dan Rosenbaum, FRPU(E) — Pictured: Sailors take part in an official inspection at Victoria Barracks, prior to taking over Royal Duties from the Army at Windsor Castle. Credit: LPhot Dan Rosenbaum, FRPU(E)

Pictured: Sailors take part in an official inspection at Victoria Barracks, prior to taking over Royal Duties from the Army at Windsor Castle.
Credit: LPhot Dan Rosenbaum, FRPU(E) — Pictured: Sailors take part in an official inspection at Victoria Barracks, prior to taking over Royal Duties from the Army at Windsor Castle. Credit: LPhot Dan Rosenbaum, FRPU(E)

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