“While London slept, and the streets were deserted of traffic, more than 1,100 troops and 230 horses from the Army’s Household Division were out in force rehearsing military manoeuvres in the dark for an important state ceremonial event.
The unearthly hour is a particular challenge to soldiers who have already done a day’s work, but is chosen deliberately so that it causes as little disruption to the capital as possible.
Breakfast for the horses of The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment and their Band was at 01.30am, before a final grooming and tacking up.”
Photo: Rupert Frere; Crown Copyright.
