Lieutenant Colonel McKay MBE, 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards Portrait Sitting

Lieutenant Colonel McKay MBE-Bearskin 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. (Rory Lewis Military Portrait Photographer)

Arriving at the barracks of the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards in Aldershot, I was met by the Regimental Sergeant Major, a six foot three inch imposing soldier. It was an exciting prospect to work with the Regimental Commanding Officer.

The Battalion is instantly recognisable wearing their bearskin, a tall fur cap, usually worn as part of a ceremonial military uniform. Traditionally, the bearskin is the headgear of grenadiers and still worn today by the regiment. Photographing the new C/O of the Regiment Lieutenant Colonel McKay, I was able to capture the regimental ceremonial dress in its full glory.

Lieutenant Colonel McKay MBE-Bearskin 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. (Rory Lewis Military Portrait Photographer)

The Grenadier Guards has one of the finest, longstanding reputations as a tough fighting force. They are a regiment with a proud history of service in times of war and peace, be it on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan or guarding the royal palaces. The Regiment is the most senior regiment of infantry, formed as a Royalist regiment in exile of Charles II in 1656.