menu
{ "item_title" : "Creating A Royal Guardsman", "item_author" : [" James Kingsley "], "item_description" : "Behind the bearskin. Beyond the palace gates. Discover the story behind one of Britain's greatest traditions - from a man who lived it.Every year, millions of visitors come to London to see Buckingham Palace, watch the Changing of the Guard and photograph the famous soldiers in scarlet tunics and bearskins.But who are the men behind the uniform? What does it take to become one of them? And what is really happening beyond the palace gates?In Creating a Royal Guardsman, former Coldstream Guardsman James Kingsley takes you inside a world most visitors only ever see from the other side of the railings.From the punishing training grounds of Pirbright to royal duties at Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace, Windsor Castle and the Tower of London, James reveals the discipline, humour, friendships, traditions and unforgettable experiences behind one of the most recognisable military institutions in the world.He takes you behind the ceremony of the Guards, Trooping the Colour and centuries-old royal traditions, while sharing extraordinary memories of serving around the Royal Family and protecting the Sovereign.But the bearskin tells only half the story.These are soldiers first.Beyond the immaculate uniforms and precision drill lies the harder reality of military service. James's journey would take him from ceremonial London to operational service in South Armagh and Belfast - experiences that changed forever the young man who had once dreamed of seeing the reality of soldiering for himself.More than thirty years later, he looks back at what the uniform demanded, what it gave him, the friendships forged along the way and what it truly meant to earn the right to wear it.And if you're visiting London, this book belongs in your bag.Before you stand outside Buckingham Palace, watch the Changing of the Guard, visit the Tower of London or explore the city's royal landmarks, discover the history, traditions and human stories behind what you're seeing.Learn how to recognise the different Foot Guards regiments, understand the meaning behind their uniforms and traditions, and see London's royal ceremonies through the eyes of someone who once stood on the other side of those famous gates.Part military memoir, part royal history and part insider's guide to the Guards, Creating a Royal Guardsman will change the way you look at Britain's royal palaces and the soldiers who guard them.The uniform is recognised around the world.Now discover the story inside it.For military-history readers, Royal Family enthusiasts, veterans, visitors to London and anyone planning to see the Changing of the Guard, this is your invitation to step behind the bearskin.", "item_img_path" : "https://covers4.booksamillion.com/covers/bam/9/79/819/173/9798191731247_b.jpg", "price_data" : { "retail_price" : "13.99", "online_price" : "13.99", "our_price" : "13.99", "club_price" : "13.99", "savings_pct" : "0", "savings_amt" : "0.00", "club_savings_pct" : "0", "club_savings_amt" : "0.00", "discount_pct" : "10", "store_price" : "" } }
Creating A Royal Guardsman|James Kingsley

Creating A Royal Guardsman : A Memoir of Service in the British Household Division

local_shippingShip to Me
In Stock.
FREE Shipping for Club Members help

Overview

Behind the bearskin. Beyond the palace gates. Discover the story behind one of Britain's greatest traditions - from a man who lived it.

Every year, millions of visitors come to London to see Buckingham Palace, watch the Changing of the Guard and photograph the famous soldiers in scarlet tunics and bearskins.

But who are the men behind the uniform? What does it take to become one of them? And what is really happening beyond the palace gates?

In Creating a Royal Guardsman, former Coldstream Guardsman James Kingsley takes you inside a world most visitors only ever see from the other side of the railings.

From the punishing training grounds of Pirbright to royal duties at Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace, Windsor Castle and the Tower of London, James reveals the discipline, humour, friendships, traditions and unforgettable experiences behind one of the most recognisable military institutions in the world.

He takes you behind the ceremony of the Guards, Trooping the Colour and centuries-old royal traditions, while sharing extraordinary memories of serving around the Royal Family and protecting the Sovereign.

But the bearskin tells only half the story.

These are soldiers first.

Beyond the immaculate uniforms and precision drill lies the harder reality of military service. James's journey would take him from ceremonial London to operational service in South Armagh and Belfast - experiences that changed forever the young man who had once dreamed of seeing the reality of soldiering for himself.

More than thirty years later, he looks back at what the uniform demanded, what it gave him, the friendships forged along the way and what it truly meant to earn the right to wear it.

And if you're visiting London, this book belongs in your bag.

Before you stand outside Buckingham Palace, watch the Changing of the Guard, visit the Tower of London or explore the city's royal landmarks, discover the history, traditions and human stories behind what you're seeing.

Learn how to recognise the different Foot Guards regiments, understand the meaning behind their uniforms and traditions, and see London's royal ceremonies through the eyes of someone who once stood on the other side of those famous gates.

Part military memoir, part royal history and part insider's guide to the Guards, Creating a Royal Guardsman will change the way you look at Britain's royal palaces and the soldiers who guard them.

The uniform is recognised around the world.
Now discover the story inside it.

For military-history readers, Royal Family enthusiasts, veterans, visitors to London and anyone planning to see the Changing of the Guard, this is your invitation to step behind the bearskin.

This item is Non-Returnable

Details

  • ISBN-13: 9798191731247
  • ISBN-10: 9798191731247
  • Publisher: Independently Published
  • Publish Date: August 2026
  • Dimensions: 9 x 6 x 0.32 inches
  • Shipping Weight: 0.46 pounds
  • Page Count: 150

Related Categories

You May Also Like...

    1

BAM Customer Reviews