Royal Navy confirmed to provide Windsor Castle guards

A Royal Navy contingent has been declared ready to take on the honour of guarding Windsor Castle following a successful inspection by some of the sharpest eyes in the British Army.

A Royal Navy contingent has been declared ready to take on the honour of guarding Windsor Castle following a successful inspection by some of the sharpest eyes in the British Army.

First sentries from a division of 35 sailors, drawn from three fighting arms and from establishments across the UK, will be posted at the castle from Monday.

They will complete their duties on December 21.

It is the third year that the Royal Navy has provided guards to the Royal Palaces but reduced this year with a smaller division trained for public duties. Having paraded at the Cenotaph on Remembrance Sunday the same group has remained in their bubble for training and will now move on to Windsor.

It was there, within Victoria Barracks, that the inspection from the Army’s Household Division took place yesterday, making sure the Royal Navy is capable of stepping in for Foot Guards.

Household Division Brigade Major, Lieutenant Colonel Guy Stone, led the inspection, accompanied by the Garrison Sergeant Major, praising the high standard of drill and dress which they observed for an hour.

Leading Chef (Submariner) James Ellison, from Lancashire, said: “To become part of the Queen’s Guard at Windsor Castle leading up to the Christmas period is a highlight of your career and a massive achievement for the Royal Navy.”

Due to the restrictions of Covid-19 prevention measures, there will be no musical support whenever the Royal Navy mounts or dismounts the guard. The castle is currently closed to visitors.