London: The first Sikh officers entrusted the job of guarding Britain's reigning monarch Queen Elizabeth II have begun their duties, taking part in a change of guard at the Buckingham Palace sporting turbans instead of the usual bearskin caps.
Signaler Simranjit Singh, 26, and Lance Corporal Sarvjit Singh, 28, became the first Sikhs to guard the 83-year old British queen.
The duty is normally carried out by the Household Division guards in their distinctive scarlet tunics and bear skin caps, but in case the units are busy the job goes to other regiments.
Simranjit had made history as the very first Sikh soldier to wear his turban on public duties in May this year guarding the monarch and protecting the Crown Jewels. He was then joined by Lance Corporal Singh.
The two men have been allowed to keep their turbans, long hair and beards in their new jobs. "There's not a red coat or a bearskin in sight - but two immaculately wrapped turbans in fetching shades of blue," the Daily mail said.
Simranjit, who serves with 21 Signal Regiment of British army said: "It's been hard work but definitely worth it."
"Being in London and parading in front of hundreds of people has been brilliant. Being Sikh hasn't made any difference," Simranjit said.
Lance Corporal Singh was born in India in 1981, and came to England in 2000. He joined the army in 2004 and volunteered for the royal guard.