Scarborough Royal Guard

When you join the Royal Guard, doors are opened and opportunities arise to become a part of the show at Scarborough rather than just a passive observer. Some of those opportunities are front-and-center (such as strutting in Parade), others are more behind-the-scenes. All are valuable and rewarding. Here are a few of them, along with descriptions and commentary from Captain Sir Matthew Sharpe:

A few notes:
1) There are relatively few instances when ONLY the Cast Guards (officers) are permitted around Their Majesties. These usually have to do with set-piece performances, and you will be notified if this is the case. In most instances, however, all Royal Guards are welcome to perform their duty around Their Majesties

2) Because of past incidents, Her Majesty will – at all times – be protected by at least one, and preferably two, security-trained Cast Guards (Officers-in-Charge). By necessity, these officers will need to stand closest to Her Majesty (and, of course, His Majesty when they are paired up). This is in no way meant to slight or demean any non-Cast Guards. It is simply a policy to ensure the safety of our charges.

3) Formations – The fluidity of the environment at Scarborough – along with the crowds – preclude rigid, set formations of Royal Guards. Instead we strive for the following:

• Symmetry – Visually, we want to look professional, so we attempt to keep equal numbers of guards to the left and right of Their Majesties. Similarly, we strive to keep halberdiers as well as similarly-garbed Guards symmetrically arrayed. It is pleasing to the eye, and helps ensure that we appear to be not just a mob of armed people, but a disciplined military unit

• Safety – Guards should always be vigilant when on duty, so as not to run over patrons, each other, or – worst of all – Their Majesties. In addition, all weapons need to be controlled and the area around our Royal Charges kept clear of wandering visitors.

• Staging – Be aware that the Royal Couple are ALWAYS the focus of the patron’s attention. Photographs are constantly being snapped and there is no better way to ruin a patron’s otherwise-memorable shot than by stepping in front of their camera. With the exception of the 2 Officers in Charge (see note #2), all Royal Guards should remain to the side and behind the Royals, unless otherwise directed. Done correctly, there is no more impressive backdrop for the King and Queen than bristling ranks of Royal Guards.