Second to None: Celebrating 375 Years of the Coldstream Guards

This year marks a monumental milestone in British military history—the 375th anniversary of the Coldstream Guards, the oldest continuously serving regiment in the British Army. From the battlefields of the English Civil War to the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, the Coldstream Guards have stood resolute, loyal, and unyielding in their service to Crown and Country.

Formed in 1650 as “Monck’s Regiment of Foot,” the Coldstream Guards trace their lineage to General George Monck and the New Model Army. After helping restore the monarchy in 1660 by marching from the Scottish town of Coldstream to London, the regiment swore loyalty to King Charles II. It was soon renamed The Lord General’s Regiment of Foot Guards, and eventually took on the name it proudly bears today—the Coldstream Guards.

Second to None: Celebrating 375 Years of the Coldstream Guards (Rory Lewis Photographer 2025)

Second to None: Celebrating 375 Years of the Coldstream Guards (Rory Lewis Photographer 2025)

Their motto, Nulli Secundus (“Second to None”), is more than a phrase—it's a legacy forged in centuries of conflict, honor, and excellence.

A Legacy in Every Battle

The Coldstream Guards have participated in nearly every major conflict involving British forces over the past three and a half centuries. They stood their ground at the Battle of Waterloo, fought through the trenches of World War I, and played key roles in the Second World War at Dunkirk, the Dyle, and Escaut.

In the modern era, they’ve continued to deploy globally—from Northern Ireland to Iraq and Afghanistan—proving time and again that they are not just ceremonial icons, but elite soldiers trained to meet the demands of contemporary warfare.

Coldstreamers in Focus

Second to None: Celebrating 375 Years of the Coldstream Guards (Rory Lewis Photographer 2025)

Second to None: Celebrating 375 Years of the Coldstream Guards (Rory Lewis Photographer 2025)

As part of my Soldiery portrait project, I’ve had the privilege of working closely with the Coldstream Guards across multiple sessions. Our first photoshoot took place in June 2017 at the historic Wellington Barracks, capturing the Guardsmen in moments of stillness, discipline, and pride.

In October 2020, we reunited for a dedicated recruitment campaign—followed by a third session in June 2021, once again highlighting the evolving face of the modern Coldstreamer. Across these sittings, what emerged was not just a study in regimental identity, but a visual legacy of service, tradition, and purpose.

These portraits, supported by the Heroes in Focus Foundation, have been donated to the National Army Museum in London. Through this contribution, we ensure the faces and stories of these Guardsmen are preserved, not just as history, but as living testimony to duty, honor, and resilience.

Second to None: Celebrating 375 Years of the Coldstream Guards (Rory Lewis Photographer 2025)

Second to None: Celebrating 375 Years of the Coldstream Guards (Rory Lewis Photographer 2025)

More Than a Regiment

Today, the Coldstream Guards remain an elite and active component of the British Army. The Regiment consists of:

  • Regimental Headquarters, Wellington Barracks, London

  • 1st Battalion, an operational light infantry unit based in Windsor

  • No. 7 Company, maintaining the traditions of the former 2nd Battalion

  • No. 17 Company, the Regiment’s Reserve

  • The Regimental Band, globally recognized for its ceremonial presence

With roles spanning ceremonial guard duties to frontline operations, the Coldstream Guards continue to exemplify the British Army’s values: courage, discipline, integrity, loyalty, selfless commitment, and respect for others.

Honoring the Past. Inspiring the Future.

As we celebrate 375 years of continuous service, the Coldstream Guards stand as a reminder of the enduring strength of British military tradition. Through portraiture, I aim to preserve the spirit of these remarkable soldiers—capturing not just how they look, but who they are.

These images are a tribute to every Coldstreamer past and present, and an invitation to the next generation to carry forward the proud legacy of a regiment that is truly Second to None.

Support the Mission
The Heroes in Focus Foundation continues its mission to build an archive of military portraiture that bridges the civilian-military divide. Your support helps us continue honoring service through powerful storytelling. If you’d like to contribute to preserving history through portraiture, we invite you to join us.