One of Canada’s most storied regiments is standing guard at Buckingham Palace for the first time in more than 70 years.
Approximately 70 members of the Ceremonial Guard of the Royal 22e Regiment, affectionately known as the Van Doos, took part in the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace Monday morning. The regiment will also mount the guard on July 16 and 18 at St. James’s Palace and the Tower of London.
Canada’s High Commission in the United Kingdom tweeted photos from Buckingham Palace on Monday.
The Van Doos approach Buckingham Palace for the Changing of the Guard, for the first time since 1940 #R22REurope pic.twitter.com/RbKGpdGUyF
— CanadianUK (@CanadianUK) July 14, 2014
The Royal Canadian 22e Regiment Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace. Commands given in French. #R22REurope pic.twitter.com/ymjwExdnux
— CanadianUK (@CanadianUK) July 14, 2014
The last time the Van Doos stood guard outside Buckingham Palace was in the spring of 1940 at the request of King George VI, Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment.
“It was a first for the King's Guard Sentinels to receive commands, not only from a non-British unit, but also in French,” says a statement from the Department of National Defence.
The honour is part of the regiment’s 100th anniversary celebrations.
The Van Doos, Canada’s first French regiment, are also the Canadian Army’s largest, with three regular force battalions, two primary reserve battalions, and a band.
The Royal 22e Régiment wear a fur busby for formal duties such as Mounting the Guard. Must be very warm today! pic.twitter.com/0BDQ7SHjLD
— CanadianUK (@CanadianUK) July 14, 2014
While overseas, the regiment’s delegation will also visit the battlefields of Ypres and Passchendale in Belgium from July 20 to 22, as well as Vimy Ridge in France from July 23 to 26.
“I would like to extend my congratulations to all members of the Royal 22e Régiment past and present on this great occasion,” Defence Minister Rob Nicholson said in a statement.
“This commemorative event honours the bravery, dedication, and professionalism of 100 years of the Royal 22e Régiment.”