Royal Company of Archers

The Royal Company of Archers is a ceremonial bodyguard of the British monarch in Scotland.

The unit was founded in 1676 as a private association what it is today. Since a visit by King George IV in 1822, the Royal Company of Archers serves as a personal bodyguard of the monarch, when this is living in Scotland.

Today, the tasks of a purely ceremonial in nature. Thus, the Company, the guards in the introduction of Knights of the Thistle Order of St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh, at investitures into Holyroodhouse and the annual local garden party.

Only Scots or people with strong links to Scotland may be elected a member of the Royal Company of Archers. Currently, the Company has approximately 530 members. It is led by a Captain General, four Captains, four Lieutenants, four Ensigns and twelve Brigadiers as officers. Current Captain- General is David Ogilvy, 8th Earl of Airlie, KT, GCVO, PC. Office force is the Captain General Gold Stick of the British monarch in Scotland.

Sir Angus Ogilvy was until his death Lieutenant in the Company.

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  • Royal Company of Archers
  • Military customs and ritual
  • Military Association ( United Kingdom)
  • Scotland
  • Archery
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