Civilian Dress of the Guards

[ccox]

Gentlemen;
I hope someone can answer my questions. A Google search turned up nothing, but in Dressed to Kill there is a picture, taken in 1958, of Officers of the Guard turned out in civilian dress replete with bowler hats and tightly furled umbrellas.

Do the Life Guards still wear this sort of kit when off-duty? What exactly constitutes the outfit (is it a stroller and striped trousers?) And which house (most likely) would make up the garments (Dege? Huntsmen?)

Any insight, links or photos would be much appreciated.

Regards,
CCox

[Algernon]

The off-duty 'uniform' of the Guards consists of a dark lounge suit, a bowler hat, a furled umbrella and the relevant regimental tie paired with a white shirt, the collar of which which, at one time, would have been stiff. A photograph of Princes William & Harry effecting a rather uninspired rendition of said 'uniform' may be found here: http://img.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2007/0 ... 68x674.jpg - it's embarassing that they dress so badly.

I think it's only worn for parades etc. now.

Gieves & Hawkes has a strong military association.

Yours,
A.

[ccox]

Hello Algernon,

Thanks for the information. I gather that any dark lounge suit is considered appropriate.

When you say "parade" are they dressed to attend or to participate? I'm curious as I assumed that this was an "off-duty" in the city look.

Regarding the photo: "uninspired" to say the least.

Thanks again for your efforts.

Regards,
CCox

[Algernon]

Yes, ex-officers wear it to participate in parades - for the march past the cenotaph for instance - and current officers during, to my knowledge, the Combined Cavalry Old Combrades Association Parade. I don't know if there are other events for which it applies.

Best wishes,
A.

[ER]

Guards officers are no longer required to wear bowler hats when out of uniform in town. As mentioned above they often choose to wear them whilst carrying furled umbrellas when 'on parade' at events such as Remembrance Day. At present there is a tv programme called 'Guarding the Queen' showing on ITV on Wednesday evenings which will give you an up-to-date reference to what officers and OR's wear when out of uniform. I don't have a link but I'm sure it can be found on YouTube.

[ccox]

Thank you both, Gentlemen.

ER, a fine suggestion. I often forget about YouTube. Something about not having satellite or cable TV I suppose. I'll start the search today.

Cheers,
CCox

[ER]

Try this, it's the link to the first programme and I'm sure the second can be found without too much difficulty.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=JQPIjRijuR0

[Algernon]

If looking for pictures you may find simple phrases like 'bowler hat soldiers' return better results than 'off duty guards dress', eg. http://www.viewimages.com/Search.aspx?m ... ner=Google

[ccox]

Thanks again Gents! Just the stuff I was looking for!
C