This unique event, staged on 12 June 2007 for one night only, marked the official opening of the Household Cavalry Museum on Horse Guards Parade by Her Majesty The Queen.

Already set to be one of the most spectacular outdoors events of the summer, the Pageant brought to life the Household Cavalry's rich history through re-enactments and ceremonial display, from its formation in 1661 to the present day. Commentary was provided by Michael Portillo, Stephen Fry recorded 7 different voices including that of Samuel Pepys and King George III, and Dame Judi Dench provided the voice of Queen Victoria.

Highlights of the night included a re-creation in full of the Coronation Procession of King Charles II and the 50-yard cavalry charge that preceded the capture of the French Eagle by The Royal Dragoons at Waterloo, neither of which have been staged before.

Also on the night were re-enactments illustrating how men of the Heavy Camel Regiment in 1884 would have been used in action in the Relief of Gordon and the varied roles played by the Household Cavalry in the two World Wars.

The Pageant drew on the resources of the Household Cavalry and featured 220 horses & men, 2 mounted bands, 50 historic & contemporary armoured vehicles, and at least one camel.

The Pageant was the brainchild of Christopher Joll, a former officer of The Life Guards, and was inspired by Horse Guards, the first major history of the Household Cavalry, written by Barney White-Spunner, a serving Major General in the British Army. Revenue generated by the Pageant will help finance the relocation of the Household Cavalry Museum from Combermere Barracks in Windsor to its new premises in the Horse Guards building in August 2007.

The museum will contain a collection of uniforms, silver, documents and memorabilia, and will feature a glass wall allowing visitors to view The Queen's Life Guard stables which are still in daily use. The museum, which has cost more than £4 million, is part-financed by the Heritage Lottery Fund along with business and private donations.

The Alvis Fighting Vehicle Society were proud to be asked by the Household Cavalry to assist and supply eight vehicles; two Scimitars, four Scorpions, a Spartan and Samson, as well as crew for the Falklands 25th anniversary remembrance section of the parade. We would like to thank all members of the Society that assisted us and helped to make this a memorable event in support of a good cause.

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