Quebec’s Van Doos Stand Guard at Buckingham Palace

This article was last updated on April 16, 2022

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Canada’s most celebrated regiment, Van Doos, will perform the duty of guarding the Buckingham Palace for the first time in more than 70 years. Almost 70 members of the Ceremonial Guard of the Royal 22e Regiment, better known as the Van Doos, participated in the Changing of the Guard ceremony outside Buckingham Palace on Monday morning. Additionally, the regiment is also anticipated to guard on July 16 and 18 at St. James’s Palace and the Tower of London.

Several photos of the guards were tweeted from Buckingham Palace by Canada’s High Commission in the United Kingdom on Monday. It was remembered that the last time the Van Doos stood guard outside Buckingham Palace was at the request of King George VI, Colonel-in-Chief of the regiment, in 1940. A statement issued by the Department of National Defence said that “it was a first for the King’s Guard Sentinels to receive commands, not only from a non-British unit, but also in French.” Canada’s first French regiment, The Van Doos, are also the Canadian Army’s largest as it comprises of three regular force battalions, two primary reserve battalions, and a band.

In his remarks, Defence Minister Rob Nicholson stated that “I would like to extend my congratulations to all members of the Royal 22e Régiment past and present on this great occasion.” Nicholson added that “this commemorative event honours the bravery, dedication, and professionalism of 100 years of the Royal 22e Régiment.”