On parade at the tower of london the yeoman warders a changing of the guard as the beefeaters unveil a new uniform tailor-made for the king

I t was all change at the Tower of London when its historic Yeoman Warders revealed their new uniforms ahead of the coronation.

The 35 guards, who are commonly known as Beefeaters, have worn the sovereign’s initials on their coats since 1570, when Elizabeth I was monarch, with the Queen’s EIIR cypher standing proud for the last 70 years.

But now they bear the King’s CIIIR below a large red crown on the front of their “blue undress” uniforms, which were introduced in the 19th century.

Chief Yeoman Warder Pete McGowran said: “We are delighted to be able to unveil these new uniforms in the week preceding the coronation, continuing the Yeoman body’s proud and longstanding association with the monarchy.

“It will be an honour and a proud moment for us all to wear them in this very special week.”

CHANGING TIMES

More than 40 tailors from London-based uniform specialists Kashket & Partners worked on the new jackets. Each one weighs between 5lb and 6lb 10oz and took more than 30 hours to complete.

The uniforms are part of a series of changes made at the tower to mark the King’s