Field Officer in Brigade Waiting

[1] Each year, among other duties, the Field Officer in Brigade Waiting commands the King's Birthday Parade mounted on horseback.

On 9 August 1711 the Secretary at War, George Granville, wrote to 'the Officer in Chief with the two Regiments of Guards' as follows:[3] Her majesty having thought fit that a Field-Officer of the Foot Guards be always in waiting upon her Royal Person, in like manner as she is attended by an Officer of the Horse Guards, I am commanded to acquaint you with her majesty's pleasure herein, and that she expects compliance therewith as soon as may be.In the early 18th century the Field Officer in Waiting was primarily responsible for preserving good order and discipline around the Royal Person of the monarch.

[8] The Field Officer's responsibilities were much as they are today, albeit with certain additional duties (for instance he was expected to be in attendance 'when Her Majesty goes in State to the theatres, or to any place of public or private entertainment').

[8] He was also in attendance at drawing-rooms, courts and levées, and on these occasions he would be given an audience of the Queen, 'to deliver the state of the brigade and receive the parole of the day'.

It consists of a wooden shaft with a silver finial (decorated with the five Foot Guards regimental badges) topped by a crown.