Well isn't this good timing. Not a day has gone by since I informed the blogosphere (see post below) that the Queen's Yeomen of the Guard are not the same as the Yeomen Warders, the historic Beefeaters who guard the Crown Jewels at the Tower of London, and we learn the first female Beefeater is about to be appointed in the ceremonial guard's 500 year history to undertake, among other duties, the Ceremony of the Keys ritual.Ceremony of the Keys:
"In this ceremony the gates of the Tower of London are secured each night shortly before 10.00 pm by the Chief Yeoman Warder escorted by an armed guard of four men. After locking the gates, the Chief Yeoman Warder is challenged by a sentry bringing his rifle into the on-guard position. He allows him to pass after recognising the Chief Warder as the bearer of Queen Elizabeth's keys by saying 'Pass, Queen Elizabeth's keys, and all's well'.
The Chief Yeoman Warder and his escort are met by a ceremonial guard on the Broad Steps near the White Tower, which then presents arms. The Chief Warder concludes the ceremony by raising his Tudor bonnet and proclaiming 'God preserve Queen Elizabeth', to which all present reply 'Amen'. The keys are then carried by the Chief Warder to safekeeping, whilst the Last Post is sounded. The ceremony has taken place over the same piece of ground, in war as well as peace, for about 700 years."
- from Queen's Official Site
By the way, the title though true was meant to be funny. Perhaps I should've taken out the Tower of London bit to make this more clear.
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