A company of the 2nd Battalion Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry took up the temporary role of mounting the Queen’s Guard at Buckingham Palace last month. The honour usually falls to the British Army’s Household Division. However, other Commonwealth Nations get a chance at protecting the Queen every now and again. Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry is based in Shilo, Manitoba, Canada. Named after Princess Patricia of Connaught, daughter of the then-Governor General of Canada. Contacting the regiment upon their arrival in London. I arranged a series of portrait sittings with the company at Wellington Barracks, before they mounted the Queens Guard. The sitting gave me the chance to record living History, Canadian Regiments rarely appear in London for state duties.
Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry London Portrait Sittings London Military Portrait Photographer Rory Lewis 2021
Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry London Portrait Sittings London Military Portrait Photographer Rory Lewis 2021
The 2PPCLI uniforms differ slightly to British Soldiers, especially their helmets. They are called Pith helmets, and the choice of helmet style comes down to historical precedent specific to each regiment. You may also notice that the helmets the officers wear are entirely white, while the non-commissioned members have a coloured fabric on theirs. In the case of the Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, that colour is ‘French Grey’ which is the colour of the Third Canadian Division.
Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry London Portrait Sittings London Military Portrait Photographer Rory Lewis 2021
Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry London Portrait Sittings London Military Portrait Photographer Rory Lewis 2021
Accustomed to photographing British Soldiers for my ‘Soldiery Portrait Exhibition‘ it was refreshing to work with a Canadian Regiment. A real pleasure to work with the chaps. Its true what they say, Canadians are among the most polite people in the world.
Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry London Portrait Sittings London Military Portrait Photographer Rory Lewis 2021