Explore the lives and current services of the mounted guards that have served the British monarchy for centuries.
The Household Cavalry Museum is in The Horse Guards in Westminster, on the Parade Ground used for royal ceremonies. The Household Cavalry consists of two senior British Army regiments: The Life Guards and the Blues & Royals. These mounted regiments guard the Queen on ceremonial occasions and serve as operational regiments in armoured fighting vehicles deployed on active service.
The Household Cavalry was formed in 1661 by King Charles II and still performs the 350 year old ceremony of the Queen's Life Guard every day. The Museum includes 18th century stables which are still used today. Visit the museum after the Changing the Guard and you will see the Guards untacking their horses. You can also get a good idea of the behind-the-scenes preparation that goes into the Household Cavalry's ceremonial events and operational duties, and you can hear recordings of soldiers describing their riding training and preparations for regimental inspection.
The Museum's collection includes ceremonial uniforms, regimental photographs, royal standards, gallantry awards, musical instruments, equestrian items, Fabergé silver, a pistol ball fired at the Battle of Waterloo and the cork leg used by the Marquess of Anglesey in place of the limb he lost at Waterloo.
The Household Calvalry Museum
Horse Guards, Whitehall, London SW1A 2AX