Troops mock female CO struggling in the saddle for ceremony amid dissent in the ranks
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Do you need help, ma’am? Troops in King Charles’s Mounted Ceremonial Battery taunt female CO fighting in the saddle for ceremony amid dissent in the ranks
- King’s Troop Major Francesca Sykes was filmed struggling to mount her steed
- She needed soldiers to help her mount before a ceremony in Green Park.
- Members of the ceremonial unit are usually required to be skilled equestrians.
Soldiers of King Charles’s Mounted Ceremonial Battery have circulated a humiliating video of their commander failing to mount his charger.
The footage shows Major Francesca Sykes of the King’s Troop, Royal Horse Artillery, who needs two soldiers to help her mount before a ceremony in Green Park, near Buckingham Palace.
One holds the reins while another tries to push her onto the horse. However, the pair’s efforts fail, much to the chagrin of the assembled troops. An apparent falling out with members of the unit has led them to try to expose what they see as his shortcomings as a cyclist.
The footage was recorded when the King’s Troop helped mark the state visit of Cyril Ramaphosa, President of South Africa in November 2022.
Major Francesca Sykes (right) leads the King’s Troop of the Royal Horse Artillery during a Trooping the Color ceremony
Footage shows the commander needing two soldiers to help her mount before a ceremony in Green Park near Buckingham Palace.
An apparent falling out with members of the unit has led them to try to expose what they see as Major Sykes’ (left) shortcomings as a cyclist.
Members of the unit are supposed to be expert horsemen and spend hundreds of hours preparing for royal birthday parades, funerals and state visits. Although Major Sykes lacks stature, her condition dictates that she rides a taller horse, around six feet tall.
However, these problems have not stopped her colleagues from making fun of her.
“If you can’t jump a horse without help then you don’t lose training,” said a King’s Troop source.
‘On the visit to South Africa, a non-commissioned officer was given the job of marching up to Major Sykes in her formal attire and helping her onto her horse. Otherwise, she would never have gotten up. This is embarrassing.’
But a Defense Ministry spokesman said: ‘It is completely normal for help to be offered when riders need help mounting their horses. The officers have taller horses so that the rest of the troops can see their hand signals during the parade.’
Major Sykes assumed command of the King’s Troop in 2021 from Major Vicky Flood. He has participated in numerous high profile events such as Trooping the Colour.