At ceremonial events such as the State Opening of Parliament and State visits, a bodyguard attends on the Sovereign.

Four historic bodyguards attend the Sovereign at ceremonial occasions: Her Majesty's Body Guard of the Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at Arms, The Queen's Body Guard of the Yeomen of the Guard, Yeomen Warders and, in Scotland, the Royal Company of Archers.

Dating back centuries, these bodyguards have impressive histories of valour and many colourful traditions are associated with them.