Guardsman Chamanpreet Singh Lall, a Sikh from Leicester is the first soldier to become a member of the guards to march in a turban at Trooping the Colour. He was also the first Sikh to march at the event that celebrated Queen’s official birthday.
“I hope that more people like me, not just Sikhs but from other religions and different backgrounds, will be encouraged to join the Army,” said Lall, with hopes that people will see this “new change in history”.
Among 1000 soldiers who took part in ceremony, Lall stood out in his black turban with a ceremonial cap star to match the ones on the traditional bearskin hats, but he felt part of the troop.
“I have never been made to feel different or left out,” said Lall.
“My family say I should be proud for them and the whole Sikh community.”
Lall born in Punjab, India, moved to England as a baby. He became a part of the British Army in January 2016, and is a signaler in his Company headquarters.
It was a proud moment for this Coldstream Guard Soldier.
The Trooping the Colour parade has been a way of officially marking the monarch’s birthday since 1748, and originated from traditional battle preparations when flags were trooped down to be recognised by soldiers. The event took place on Saturday in June because of better weather condition, even though the Queen’s birthday was on April 21.
This was also the first time, the newly-weds Meghan Markle and Prince Harry appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace and had attended the royal ceremony.
Gaurdsman Chamanpreet Singh Lall also added, ““I’m quite proud and I know that a lot of other people are proud of me as well. It is a good feeling … there’s going to be a lot of eyes and I am going to have an influence on other people.”
