Field Officer in Brigade Waiting

The Field Officer in Brigade Waiting holds an appointment in the Royal Household. Always a Foot Guards Officer, he is required to be in attendance on particular occasions to receive the King's commands for the Foot Guards.^[1] Each year, among other duties, the Field Officer in Brigade Waiting commands the King's Birthday Parade mounted on horseback.

The Field Officer in Brigade Waiting performs his duties at State Ceremonies under the authority of the Lord Great Chamberlain, the Lord Chamberlain and the Earl Marshal.^[1] When dismounted he carries a distinctive baton as his insignia of office.^[2]

Appointment

The Field Officer in Brigade Waiting is appointed by the Major-General commanding the Household Division. Until the 1980s the post was held in turn by the Lieutenant-Colonels commanding the five regiments of Foot Guards, each serving a month at a time in rotation.^[2] Today, the Major-General's deputy (who is Chief of Staff London District) normally holds the appointment (but if the Chief of Staff is not a Foot Guards Officer, or is unavailable for duty, then the Lieutenant Colonel Foot Guards does so instead).^[1]

An exception, however, is made for the King's Birthday Parade ('Trooping the Colour'), when the Chief of Staff rides with the Major-General; on this occasion it is customary for the Commanding Officer of the regiment whose colour is being trooped to command the Parade as Field Officer in Brigade Waiting.

The Field Officer's principal aide when on duty is termed Adjutant in Brigade Waiting. Historically there was also a Quartermaster-in-Brigade Waiting (each of these officers being provided for a month at a time by the regiment to which the serving Field Officer belonged).^[3]

Duties

The Field Officer in Brigade Waiting is to be in attendance on the Sovereign on the following occasions, to receive The King's commands for the Foot Guards:^[1]

When the Sovereign drives in State to open or prorogue Parliament.
During a procession from Windsor Castle and in St George's Chapel following a Chapter of the Garter.
Whenever Guards of Honour are mounted by the Guards Division in the presence of The King.

The Field Officer in Brigade Waiting is to command The King's Birthday Parade (assisted by the Major of the Parade and the Adjutant in Brigade Waiting, all three being mounted on horseback).

Insignia of office

In common with certain other military officers holding appointments in the Royal Household, the Field Officer in Brigade Waiting is entitled to wear aiguillettes.^[4]

A 2-foot baton was commissioned in 1988 following the move to a more permanent pattern of appointment. It consists of a wooden shaft with a silver finial (decorated with the five Foot Guards regimental badges) topped by a crown.^[2]

References

^ ^a ^b ^c ^d "The Queen's Regulations for the Army (1975): Amendment No. 26, Annex A to chapter 2, paragraphs 41-44" (PDF). GOV.UK. Ministry of Defence. Retrieved 29 June 2024.
^ ^a ^b ^c Allison & Riddell (1991). The Royal Encyclopaedia. London: Macmillan.
^ The King's Regulations and Orders for the Army. London: H. M. Stationery Office. 1914. pp. 418–419.
^ "Army Dress Regulations - All Ranks [see para. 10.10]" (PDF). GOV.UK. Ministry of Defence. Retrieved 29 June 2024.