The nearest guard : 500 years of protecting the sovereign

Her Majesty's Body Guard of the Honorable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms (HM Body Guard) is one of the world's older existing military corps.

It was first formed 500 years ago in 1509 during the turbulent times of Henry VIII to act as a mounted escort to protect the sovereign.

Over the years HM Body Guard has evolved primarily into a ceremonial unit, but the emphasis of this book is very much on its members--past and present--and their remarkable contributions to military history over the last 500 years.

This book is a very well-written and valuable addition to military and royal history, and is beautifully illustrated with over 130 photographs.