S
ome may wonder why, in the 21st century, the Household Cavalry still carry out ceremonial duties dating back to 1660; the pomp and pageantry of which has become synonymous with national tradition, heritage and pride. The City of London ceremonial handbook answers succinctly: ‘Ceremonies are not idle forms or shows put on merely for entertainment; they ensure that things are done with dignity and in good order’. For Lieutenant Colonel Dan Hughes, 43, the Household Cavalry exists to contribute to the distinction of the State – this summer marking a pinnacle of national grandeur, pride and decorum, celebrated by the publication of Uniquely British, published recently by the Household Cavalry to raise funds for their soldiers, veterans and horses – and, in so doing, reinforces the link between the Armed Forces and the Sovereign. Commanding Officer of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, Hughes was the Field Officer in charge of the Sovereign’s Escort during both the Royal Wedding in 2011 and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee this year – an ‘immense privilege’ – and despite years in the forces, few could blame the Colonel for the nerves he felt waking up on 29 April. ‘I think we all felt a huge amount of responsibility to try and ensure the day went well. It doesn’t matter how much you practise,
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you can never get it 100 per cent right, mainly because the horses are very unpredictable, particularly when mixed with a million people who are shouting and waving flags. ‘The Jubilee crowds were even louder. We were closer to the crowds on that day and the noise was just phenomenal. The other problem was the firing of a 61-gun salute on Horse Guard’s Parade; essentially a gun would go off every 15-20 seconds and it caused a lot of our horses to jump and panic. My horse took exception to the salute and seemed determined to try and overtake the carriage. We recorded it as the fastest escort in history.’ Joining the army at the age of 22, Hughes quickly decided cavalry life was for him and steadily climbed to the top. And while earning the Queen’s shilling this year has involved much regalia-clad splendour, Hughes is keen to reiterate that all those participating in ceremonial parades are fully-trained fighting troops – many of whom have recently returned or are soon to be leaving for combat. ‘Very little of my career has been spent doing ceremonial duties’ says Hughes. ‘The Cavalry’s main role is as a reconnaissance regiment. I have spent more than three quarters of my career in the operational role and have only performed the ceremonial role very occasionally, which is true of all Household Cavalry soldiers. I think it’s easy to forget our