The unarmed ceremonial guard mounted in Downing Street was provided by No. 12 Company Irish Guards on 14 October, and the soldiers were notified two days beforehand, according to an answer given in Parliament.
Ben Obese-Jecty, the Conservative member for Huntingdon, asked under what protocol the Irish Guards were ordered to perform an unarmed ceremonial guard in Downing Street on 15 October, and how much notice was given.
Louise Sandher-Jones, the Minister for the Armed Forces, said: “I can confirm that no ceremonial guard was provided at Downing Street on 15 October, however I can confirm that it is usual practice for the Ministry of Defence to provide unarmed ceremonial guards at the Prime Minister’s request.
“The hon. Gentleman might be referring to the unarmed ceremonial guard in Downing Street on 14 October 2026 which was provided by No. 12 Company Irish Guards. The Irish Guards were notified on 12 October, two days before the event.”
No. 12 Company Irish Guards is the London-based public duties company of the regiment, formed to carry out ceremonial tasks in the capital while the battalion is committed elsewhere. Ceremonial guards at Downing Street are typically mounted for visits by heads of state and government.
