Yeomen of the Guard constitute the official bodyguard of the monarch of the United Kingdom. They were originally responsible for the monarch’s safety, at home and abroad, but their duties are now ceremonial. Today they are on duty on state occasions, such as the beginning of parliamentary sessions, and on royal occasions. The Yeomen of the Guard wear Tudor uniforms, and many people confuse them with the Yeomen Warders of the Tower of London. But, unlike the Yeomen Warders, the Yeomen of the Guard wear crossbelts. Both are nicknamed beefeaters.
The Yeomen of the Guard are the most ancient permanent military body in the United Kingdom. In 1485, they numbered 50 men when they officiated at Henry VII’s coronation. Elizabeth I increased their number to 200, and Charles II set their number at 100.
