900 years of tradition broken
02/04/2007 23:26  - (SA)  

javascript:void%280%29 - http://www.news24.com/News24/World/News/0,9294,2-10-1462_2093030,00.html# -

London - The security of Windsor Castle passed into female hands for the first time in 900 years on Monday as women soldiers of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery took over guard duty at the main royal residence just outside London.

A team of 20 soldiers - five of them women - have been trained for the task of guarding the castle, the main residence of Queen Elizabeth II outside London.

On Monday, complete with plumed busby hats, gold braided tunics and ceremonial swords, they marched into the castle led by a brass band and watched by scores of onlookers.

The female soldiers will help provide a 24-hour guard with soldiers standing on duty for two hours at a time, and perform the changing of the guard, known as guard mounting, every day except on Sunday.

In January, the King's Troop became the first unit in the 350-year history of the Household Division to have a woman as commanding officer.

Major Erica Bridge took charge of 168 officers and soldiers as well as 120 horses at their barracks in St John's Wood, north London.

She herself is too senior in rank to perform sentry duty. - Sapa-dpa