The Life Guards are the creation of an amalgamation of the 1st and 2nd Life Guards in 1922 They can trace their history back to the establishment of a Royal Mounted Bodyguard in 1660 on the restoration of King Charles II to the throne.

The Blues and Royals are the creation of an amalgamation of the Royal Horse Guards (Blues) and the 1st Dragoons (Royals) in 1969. The Royal Horse Guards can trace their history back to 1661 when King Charles formally created the first regular British Army. The 1st Dragoons can also trace their back to the reign of King Charles II as they were formed after the Tangier Troop returned from N Africa in 1683.

Today there is no difference between the Life Guards and Blues and Royals when a soldier serves at the Armoured Cavalry Regiment. Vehicles crews, troops and Sqns are all a mixture of both. In the Mounted Regiment the difference can be seen in the colour of certain aspects of the ceremonial uniform. The Life Guards wear red tunics with white plumes in their helmets, the Blues and Royals wear blue tunics with red plumes in their helmets. The duties of a soldier in either the Life Guard or Blue and Royal squadrons at the Mounted Regiment do not differ.

I hope this answers your question. Further info can be found here: https://www.army.mod.uk/who-we-are/corps-regiments-and-units/royal-armoured-corps/household-cavalry/

12 December, 2019 16:43