The sight of Edmonton soldiers standing guard at Buckingham Palace might seem like something from a movie, but for members of the South Alberta Light Horse regiment, it’s about to become reality. This historic opportunity marks the first time a Canadian reserve unit has been invited to participate in such a prestigious royal duty since 1940.
I had the chance to speak with Lieutenant Colonel Troy Steele at their Edmonton headquarters yesterday, where excitement among the troops was palpable.
“This invitation represents an extraordinary honor for our regiment,” Lt. Col. Steele explained, adjusting his beret as we walked through their training facility. “Our soldiers will stand alongside the King’s Life Guard at Horse Guards Parade in London, continuing a tradition that dates back centuries.”
The South Alberta Light Horse, Edmonton’s own armoured reconnaissance regiment, will send 21 soldiers to London this July. There, they’ll join the Blues and Royals Regiment of the Household Cavalry for ceremonial duties that include the famous Changing of the Guard.
Captain Michelle Davidson, who will be among those traveling to London, couldn’t hide her enthusiasm. “Many of us joined the reserves to serve our community while maintaining civilian careers,” she said. “Never did I imagine I’d be representing Canada in such a visible, historic way.”
The invitation stems from the regiment’s historical connection to the British royal family. The South Alberta Light Horse traces its lineage back to 1905 and holds several battle honours from both World Wars. They’ve maintained their royal connection as an armoured regiment in the Canadian Army Reserve.
For Corporal James Wilson, a University of Alberta engineering student and four-year veteran of the regiment, the opportunity blends personal and professional significance.
“My grandfather served in World War II with a Canadian regiment that had similar connections to the royal family,” Wilson shared during a training break. “He would have been amazed to see us continuing that tradition in such a visible way.”
The regiment has intensified their training regimen, focusing on the precise movements and protocols required for royal ceremonial duties. Their weekly drills now include extended practice sessions on the exact ceremonial procedures they’ll perform in London.
“The precision required is extraordinary,” noted Sergeant Kelly Thompson, who’s been drilling the team. “Every step, every movement must be perfect. We’re representing not just Edmonton, but all of Canada on an international stage.”
The significance of this invitation extends beyond military circles. Mayor Amarjeet Sohi expressed pride in the regiment’s achievement during a council meeting last week.
“This recognition highlights Edmonton’s global connections and the excellence of our military units,” Mayor Sohi remarked. “The South Alberta Light Horse continues to bring honor to our city through their service.”
Dr. Catherine Williams, a military historian at MacEwan University, explained the historical context of the invitation. “This represents a continuation of the Commonwealth military traditions that bind Canada and Britain,” she told me during a phone interview. “These ceremonial duties maintain connections that have evolved from colonial relationships into modern partnerships between sovereign nations.”
Community support for the regiment has surged following the announcement. Local businesses have organized fundraisers to help with incidental expenses not covered by military funding. The Downtown Business Association has even arranged a send-off celebration at Churchill Square scheduled for early July.
For many Edmontonians, this invitation represents a reminder of our city’s place in a larger global and historical context. It bridges our prairie city with centuries of tradition and ceremony across the Atlantic.
The regiment will spend two weeks in London, with their ceremonial duties culminating in participation in the King’s Birthday Parade, an event watched by millions worldwide.
“We’re preparing for intense scrutiny,” admitted Lt. Col. Steele. “These ceremonies are viewed by tourists from around the world and broadcast internationally. There’s no room for error.”
Beyond the ceremonial aspects, this deployment provides valuable training opportunities. Soldiers will participate in joint exercises with their British counterparts, strengthening international military cooperation.
As our interview concluded, the sounds of drill practice echoed through the armoury. Young reservists moved in perfect unison, their faces showing both concentration and pride.
This July, when visitors to London witness the ceremonial changing of the guard, they’ll see Edmonton represented among those historic uniforms. And here at home, we can take pride in knowing our city’s citizen-soldiers stand among the best, recognized at the highest levels of military tradition.
The South Alberta Light Horse proves that Edmonton’s reach extends far beyond our prairie boundaries, connecting us to centuries of history and tradition while showcasing the excellence of our local military units on the world stage.
