Twice the Soldier: New Exhibition

24th Oct 2025

With great excitement, we unveiled our brand-new permanent exhibition earlier this summer: ‘Twice the Soldier’.

This exhibition digs deeper into all things ceremonial, exploring the Public Duties and State Ceremonial occasions that give the Guards’ their unique dual role - from guarding the palace, to guarding the nation.

The exhibition features an array of artefacts that bring this dual role to life. From the everyday - like a pristine pair of a Guardsman’s boots - to the extraordinary, including the Senior Drum Major’s State Coat worn during the funeral of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Every item has a story to tell, bringing visitors closer to centuries of history and tradition behind the Guard’s ceremonial duties.  

Featured Objects

  1. Senior Drum Major's State Coat

    Worn by the Senior Drum Major of the Household Division, WO2 Gareth Chambers at Queen Elizabeth II's funeral

  2. Ammunition Boots

    Worn by Guardsmen for ceremonial duties, these boots take hours of preparation to get ready for parades.

  3. Sylvia Stanier's Riding Hat

    An accomplished rider who trained Queen Elizabeth II's favourite horse, Burmese

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