Lance Corporal, Royal Guard, Tonga, 1901.gif

I am unsure when the Royal Guard was formed but it may have stemmed from the King’s bodyguard warriors some time in the 19th century.  I am also unsure when they adopted this very British uniform, however, this is likely to have been during the 1890s.

This junior NCO wears a pillbox cap of blue with red band. No badge is worn.

His jacket has a stand collar and pointed cuffs of facing blue. All buttons are brass. His rank chevron is gilt lace.

Around the waist is a leather belt with brass clasp. Hanging behind the left hip is the sword bayonet for his British-supplied 0.45in Martini Henry Artillery carbine.

Infantry pattern trousers, with their thin red welts, are worn with ankle boots.

Below is the khaki drill jacket worn for general or field duty, with drill trousers. He carries belt order of waist belt and ammunition pouch.