Capturing the Heritage of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment: A Journey Through the Years

Since 2014, I have had the immense privilege of photographing the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, capturing the rich history and pageantry of this iconic unit. my work has chronicled the evolution of the regiment, revealing the faces and stories that continue to define this elite corps of mounted soldiers.

Squadron Corporal Major, The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (Military Portrait Photographer London, New York & Los Angeles Rory Lewis)

Major, The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (Military Portrait Photographer London, New York & Los Angeles Rory Lewis)

Trooper, The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (Military Portrait Photographer London, New York & Los Angeles Rory Lewis)

Trooper, The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (Military Portrait Photographer London, New York & Los Angeles Rory Lewis)

The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment is arguably the most famous mounted unit in the world, recognized for their immaculate uniforms, ceremonial duties, and their role as the Queen’s official bodyguard. My first major engagement with the regiment was for my series "Soldiery: British Army Portraits" in 2016. This initial experience offered a unique opportunity to delve into the lives of these distinguished soldiers, and since then, I have returned multiple times, including a recent visit in 2021 that marked a significant moment in the regiment’s history with the introduction of the first female troopers.

Colonel The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (Military Portrait Photographer London, New York & Los Angeles Rory Lewis)

Based in Knightsbridge, the regiment is composed of The Lifeguards and The Blues and Royals, two distinguished squadrons with a storied history of service and ceremonial duty. Over the years, I have captured the soldiers in their striking uniforms, mounted on their majestic horses, all set against the backdrop of London’s historic barracks. The daily Guard Mount, a ceremony that has been performed continuously for over 350 years, never ceases to inspire awe with its blend of tradition and discipline.

The Household Cavalry's uniforms are a sight to behold, particularly the distinctive attire of The Blues and Royals, featuring gleaming metal helmets adorned with plumes of horsehair—a rare and ceremonial accessory not seen in many other military units. These uniforms are not just garments but symbols of a legacy that is meticulously preserved and proudly displayed by each trooper.

One of the most unique customs within The Blues and Royals is their practice of saluting without wearing headdress, a tradition rooted in a 1760 incident during the Battle of Warburg. Commanded by the Marquess of Granby, who lost his hat and wig during a charge, the regiment adopted this as a mark of respect and it remains one of the unique identifiers of The Blues and Royals to this day.

Trooper, The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (Military Portrait Photographer London, New York & Los Angeles Rory Lewis)

Lance Corporal of Horse, The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (Military Portrait Photographer London, New York & Los Angeles Rory Lewis)

Lance Corporal of Horse, The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (Military Portrait Photographer London, New York & Los Angeles Rory Lewis)

Throughout my time photographing the Household Cavalry, I have had the honor of capturing portraits of high-ranking officers and troopers alike, from Lieutenant-Colonel Gaselee to the dedicated non-commissioned officers who uphold the traditions of the regiment. One such portrait features the Farrier Corporal of Horse, whose ceremonial axe is a poignant reminder of the practical and sometimes grim duties of the past, when horses would have to be euthanized on the battlefield. This axe, adorned with a spike, serves today as a symbolic link to the regiment’s storied history.

The Farrier's axe also harks back to the days when the regiment provided escort to the Sovereign on state occasions, traveling over treacherous roads that sometimes required the use of the axe to free entangled horses. These historical duties, and the ceremonial tools that accompany them, are more than relics; they are emblems of the resilience and adaptability of the Household Cavalry through centuries of service.

My journey with the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment has been one of both professional fulfillment and personal admiration. The chance to document such an illustrious and historic unit is a rare honor, and each session has added to a growing tapestry of portraits that celebrate the diverse and evolving faces of this esteemed regiment. From the young troopers donning their uniforms for the first time to the seasoned officers who have seen decades of service, the Household Cavalry remains a testament to tradition, excellence, and the enduring spirit of military heritage.

As I continue to explore new projects and commissions, the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment stands out as a vivid and enduring chapter in my portfolio—a tribute to the timelessness of military portraiture and the unparalleled pageantry of one of the British Army’s most iconic units.