The Blues and Royals

Troops from The Blues and Royals of the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and their horses enjoy a break from their crimson armour and their ceremonial duties on Holkham Beach, Norfolk, 3 August 2009.

The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons) is a cavalry regiment of the British Army, part of the Household Cavalry. The Colonel-in-Chief is Her Majesty The Queen and the Colonel is HRH The Princess Royal. Both HRH Prince William of Wales and HRH Prince Harry of Wales joined the regiment as cornets in 2006.

The regiment was formed in 1969 from the merger of The Royal Horse Guards, which was known as "The Oxford Blues", and The Royal Dragoons, which was known as "The Royals". The Blues and Royals can trace their lineage all the way back to the New Model Army. The regiment is nicknamed The Tin Bellies, which is a good humoured reference to the fact that they are the only troops wearing armour in the Queen's service.

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