The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment are the ceremonial face of the Regiment, conducting mounted state and public duties in London. Our prestige and horsemanship takes us across the UK and the rest of the world on key international events, all whilst representing the Monarch and the Nation.
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment is part of the Household Division, it is classed as a regiment of guards, and carries out mounted (and some dismounted) ceremonial duties on State and Royal occasions. The HCMR is one of two operational units that form the Household Cavalry, the other being the Household Cavalry Regiment, a formation reconnaissance regiment, with front-line combat duties.
Composition
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment consists of one sabre squadron from The Life Guards and one from The Blues and Royals, plus a Headquarters Squadron, and the Household Cavalry Training Wing. Each of the Squadrons consists of two divisions of one officer and 24 soldiers. HCMR has been based at Hyde Park Barracks, Knightsbridge, since 1795.
The Mounted Band of The Household Cavalry is a band of 64 musicians wearing the uniform of both The Blues and Royals and The Life Guards, part of the Royal Corps of Army Music. The Band also provide State Trumpeters.
Ceremonial Duties
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment carries out regular ceremonial duties throughout the year. As the Sovereign's bodyguard and part of the Household Division, the HCMR mounts a daily guard (called King's Life Guard) at HorseGuards, which is the historical and ceremonial entrance to Buckingham Palace. This ceremony can be viewed daily by members of the public.
The HCMR is responsible for the provision of the Sovereign's Escort, most commonly seen at the monarch's annual Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour) each year. The escort is also seen at other occasions, including during state visits by visiting heads of state, or whenever required by the British monarch. The regiment provides a staircase party inside Buckingham Palace at state Investitures, and inside the Palace of Westminster at the annual State Opening of Parliament. They are also present at the annual Garter Ceremony at Windsor Castle.
