SNAP!

This 1970s Guardsman SNAP! card game is a good example of how the Guards Regiments are typically portrayed in popular culture.

The Foot Guards are featured in their ceremonial role, wearing the classic scarlet tunic and bearskin. They are on parade or changing the guard at Buckingham Palace, which is how many would have experienced them. This is the enduring image of the Guards and contributes to them being a symbol of Britain and London; recognized around the world.

At that time, however, the Cold War was at its height and the Troubles in Northern Ireland were ongoing. So the majority of soldiers would have been on operational duty around the world, wearing combat uniforms rather than ceremonial. The same is true today.