The Royal Company of Archers
The King's Bodyguard for Scotland, is a ceremonial unit that serves as the Sovereign's bodyguard in Scotland—a role it has performed since 1822 during the reign of King George IV when the company provided a personal bodyguard to the King on his visit to Scotland. It is currently known as the King's Bodyguard for Scotland or, more often and colloquially, The Royal Company. It is located in Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland. The Royal Company of Archers has a long history in Scotland as a body that celebrated both the recreation and talent of local archers.
As a body established by the Monarch, the company has a long history of unique prizes, influential supporters, and ceremonial roles. It has an associated charity, the Royal Company of Archers Charitable Trust, dedicated to helping disadvantaged individuals with their health and wellbeing in Scotland.
The main duties of the company are now ceremonial, and since the 1822 appointment as the Sovereign's 'Body Guard in Scotland' for George IV's visit to Edinburgh, include attending the Sovereign at various functions during the annual Royal Visit to Scotland when he or she approaches within five miles of Edinburgh, including the Order of the Thistle, investitures at the High Kirk of Edinburgh, the Royal Garden Party and the Ceremony of the Keys at the Palace of Holyrood, and the presentation of new colours to Scottish regiments. Most recently the Royal Company of Archers were in the public spotlight when the late Queen Elizabeth II died whilst in Scotland and they provided a guard on vigil as the Queen lay in state.
The headdress is a stiffened bonnet of green with a crimson toorie and black mohair headband. The bonnet badge is of crossed arrows, with the inscription ‘Royal Compy of Archers’, on a green and white cockade and worn with a single eagle’s feather. The cockade has been worn since 1713.
The uniform comprises as follows:
The tunic is green laced with black mohair with crimson lights. Twisted crimson cord epaulettes adorn the tunic shoulders. The trousers are green and tightly-cut. A double black line of mohair with a crimson light runs down the outside of the leg.
The leather-backed bow-case is of green and bound with black mohair trimmed with crimson. On the centre of the bow-case, which is aligned with the centre of the chest, is a badge of crossed arrows with the Company’s motto of 1676, ‘In Peace and War.’ The bow-case is worn across the left shoulder descending to below the right hip and is secured there by a brass Star of The Thistle (the old bonnet badge prior to 1863). The bow-case is held in place by a black patent-leather belt with an ornate brass buckle on which is displayed the Royal Crest of Scotland. From this belt hang, on the left-hand side and to the front, a red and black woollen tassel which was originally used for cleaning arrows. The short brass Roman-style sword in its black frog and scabbard is suspended from the left hip.
When ordered, a ‘pair’ arrows (which, in fact, are three arrows) is worn tucked under the belt under the right arm with the points foremost and downwards. Black George boots are worn.
The dress for Officers is almost identical but for the addition of gold piping to the crimson light. A twisted gold cord epaulette replaces the twisted crimson cord epaulettes worn by Archers. Officers carry a long sword with a cross hilt and two eagles’ feathers are worn in the bonnet and wear collar-badges to denote their rank. The Captain-General wears three eagles’ feathers. The Adjutant wears gold spurs.
All Ranks wear white gloves. Sashes, orders, decorations, medals and medal ribbons are worn in the manner prescribed in Army Dress Regulations in accordance with The Queen’s Regulations for The Army (2010). Shooting medals of The Royal Company of Archers with clasps are also worn by those so qualified when not on Body Guard duties.
Our first 1/30 scale release of these historic figures comprises of an Archer stood to attention (MLB016) for the front front.
A second Archer (MLB017) stood at ease, who could be in the second rank or just relaxing before the formalities commence.
Both figures are priced at $50/£45 each but are discounted for the month of June to $45/£40 for a single figure.
This is not a limited edition figure please note, there will be B versions of this figure with different colour hair and less medals. A number of other poses are planned including saluting and marching.
These figures will fit in with the King and Country ceremonial figures. |
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