• CLOSED
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  • Chelsea, London
National Army Museum
  • CLOSED
  • FREE
  • Chelsea, London

Royalty

Pelisse, 3rd Zieten Hussars, worn by The Duke of Connaught, 1900s
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A uniform fit for a prince

Flamboyant hussar uniforms belonging to Prince Arthur, Duke of Connaught and Strathearn, demonstrate the close dynastic links between European monarchies and the tradition of foreign royals serving as honorary heads of military units.

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Medal commemorating the Coronation of King George IV, 1821

Coronation medals

The Army plays a key role in major state occasions, not least the coronation of a new monarch. For centuries, commemorative medals have been issued to soldiers involved in these celebrations, both in Britain and across the Empire.

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Keziah Burt sculpting a portrait bust of HM Queen Elizabeth II

Sculpting Elizabeth: A tribute to the Queen’s wartime service

In this video, we speak to figurative artist Keziah Burt about the making of a commemorative portrait bust of Queen Elizabeth II and reflect on Her Majesty's service in the Second World War.

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The Battle of the Boyne, 1690

Battle of the Boyne

Fought on 1 July 1690 between the forces of the deposed King James II and his successor, King William III, the Battle of the Boyne was the largest military engagement ever to take place on Irish soil.

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Lieutenant-Colonel Randolph Egerton, The King's Troop of Horse Guards, c1672

The Restoration and the birth of the British Army

In 1660, the monarchy was restored when Parliament invited King Charles II to take the throne. Although the military played a crucial role in his return, the King soon established a new force - the British Army.

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Luck and superstition

Luck and superstition

Chance plays a significant part in deciding a soldier’s fate on the battlefield. Here we look at examples of close shaves and extraordinary escapes, and examine some of the superstitions soldiers draw on for comfort and protection.

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Cavalry of the New Model Army, c1645

British Civil Wars

Fought between 1642 and 1651, these wars were primarily disputes between Crown and Parliament about how the British Isles should be governed. But they also had religious and social dimensions, and witnessed the creation of the first national standing army.

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The Battle of the Boyne, 1690

Nine Years War

Between 1689 and 1697, British soldiers joined a European alliance against French expansionism. At the same time, extensive fighting took place in Scotland and Ireland between the supporters of King William III and the deposed James II.

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King James II, c1685

The Glorious Revolution

The Army played an important role in the downfall of King James II and his replacement by William of Orange in 1688. This ‘Glorious Revolution’ restricted royal power and had a profound impact on the long-term future of the British Army.

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Cap badge of The Royal Horse Guards, c1914

The Royal Horse Guards (The Blues)

This cavalry unit was formed in 1650 and was the second most senior regiment of the British Army. It served for over 300 years until 1969, when it was merged into The Blues and Royals.

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Other ranks’ cap badge, 1st The Royal Dragoons, c1935

The Royal Dragoons (1st Dragoons)

This unit was raised in 1661, making it one of the oldest cavalry regiments in British Army history. It served in many campaigns until 1969, when it was merged into The Blues and Royals.

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Cap badge, The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons), c1990

The Blues and Royals

Formed in 1969, this unit is now part of the Household Cavalry. It is the second most senior regiment in the British Army and operates as both an armoured reconnaissance unit and a ceremonial guard of the monarch.

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Cap badge, The Household Cavalry, c1919

The Household Cavalry

This British Army corps operates as an armoured reconnaissance unit and a ceremonial guard of the monarch. Formed in 1992, it has served on several deployments, including the recent wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

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‘Adamas’, a drum horse of the Household Cavalry, 2016
In Conversation At Museum

23 November 2023, 6.30pm

£5.00

Serving the Crown: Garrison Sergeant Major

Hear from Garrison Sergeant Major Andrew Stokes as he reveals what it was like to organise some of the most important ceremonial events in recent history.

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