The Regiment was raised at Bruges in 1656 by King Charles II whilst he was in exile in Belgium. King Charles, allied to the Spanish, was short of funds and so only five regiments were raised. The most loyal supporters formed 'the Royal Regiment of Guards'. On his return to England the King raised another Regiment of Foot Guards, namely the King's Regiment of Guards, for his protection. On the death of Thomas, Lord Wentworth in 1665, these two Regiments were linked to form the First Regiment of Foot Guards. This title remained from then until 1815 when, due to the Regiment's actions at Waterloo, it was granted its present title.
The Grenadier Guards is the only Regiment in the British Army that has gained its title directly from the part it played in action. It is in consequence of this that the Grenade is worn as a badge on the forage cap, the tunic and the Colours of the Regiment. A new uniform embodying the Grenade was first worn at Christmas 1815.
Helicopter landing infantrymen into action.
Regimental quick march - "The British Grenadiers".
Regimental slow march - "Scipio".
