UK History and Honor of British Army Redcoat of the Queen’s Guard
On my first trip to Scotland to meet my in-laws back in 2010, my father-in-law told me not to come back until I had been to London and seen the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace. I obliged. On the next trip to the UK, Boyd booked our trip to London to meet his brother and experience the Changing of the Guards for his hundredth time.
I immediately became infatuated with the Queens Guard’s attire, worn historically by the British Army. Redcoats are also known as a “coatee”. These coats have been worn since the 17th century and are still worn to date. They are mostly red because the English flag is red and white, and the uniforms were designed in the 17th century before Scotland entered the UK. In 1873, it was decided that the redcoat or coatee would be worn all soldiers, sergeants, and some cavalry regiments – no matter their rank.
Me In My British Army Redcoat
Me, Christi Tasker in British Army Redcoat
On my recent 42nd birthday, we had one frigid day in Miami. It was a mere 52 degrees Fahrenheit. The remainder of the United States was experiencing below-freezing temperatures. When Boyd asked what I wanted for my birthday, I said, “my already purchased red coat down from the cedar storage box” resides at our closet’s top. I was going to be sooooo Miami and wear this baby out while it was sooo “cold.”
Me, Christi Tasker in British Army Redcoat sitting in front of a Sheppard Fairy mural in Wynwood, Miami.
Turns out, everyone loves it! In Miami, they think it’s a Gucci jacket.
Almost everywhere I’ve traveled recently in my red Queen’s Guard coat, the people think IT’s something different. In LasVegas, people stopped me walking through the SLS casino to ask questions like a monkey, aka. their employees. On myrecent trip to Venice, Italy, people thought I was dressed up for Carnevale.
In Miami, some think it’s PROPAGANDA.
In Dallas, they thought it was a “Michael Jackson coat”.
In high-end department stores that carry Gucci, such as Dallas’ Forty Five Ten, where they carry Gucci, they just wantedto know “who is the designer was?”
I only wish I knew. Do you? If so, please comment below.
My Scottish friends have clarified that this is an Irish Guard’s jacket identified by the clover on the collar. TheIrish coats also have four buttons, whereas the Scottish have a series of three buttons. A special thanks to my Facebookgroup friend, Jim Broon. I appreciate your help in identifying the coat type.
Yes, I understand my gold Roberto Cavalli snake aviator glasses look similar to Michael Jackson’s Thriller glasses. Gold chain necklace available on ChristiTasker.com
Me, Christi Tasker in British Army Redcoat with Roberto Cavalli sunglasses.
Me,Christi Tasker in British Army Redcoat with my own collection earrings available on ChristiTasker.com
And yes, this coat is just so maximalist ME, but there’s a real story behind why I have this beautiful British Army redcoat.
After seeing the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace, Boyd and I ventured over to the wild and crazy Camden Market.
Of course, I noticed the red coat hanging in the window of a vintage store, so I dashed over like a kid after candy. Aminute or two later, the nice lady in the store greeted Boyd as he followed me in. I was searching the rows of redcoatsfor the right size, one that was clean, and no missing buttons. That alone is a chore in a vintage shop. Boyd proceededto tell her the story of his dad, who was Queen’s Guard from the Scot’s Guard division. The lady turned around andasked, “Oh, dear! Why don’t you see if you can refurbish your granddad’s redcoat?”
Obviously, we died laughing, and this coat always reminds me of how young I feel, and fortunately, some people think Iam….or at least, that’s what I like to tell myself. Otherwise, Boyd would have to face looking 20 years my seniorversus the 9 years he is. I am just not so sure my father-in-law would like me to wear the Irish version of the Queen’sGuard Coatee.
I’m curious….have you ever miscalculated someone’s age and stuck your foot in your mouth? Please do tell below.
Fashion credits:
Pants: True Religion | Boots: Vince Camuto| Purse + Passport Cover: Kate Spade | Sunglasses: Roberto Cavalli
