The Mace-Bearer Magazine - Guild of Mace-Bearers

Since 2002 there have only been 3 holders of the appointment “Sovereign’s Mace Bearer”, following Des Loat in
2003 was George Kelsall (Late Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards))
and since 2008 Cas Butler, Late Welsh Guards (Pictured). All selected
for their bearing, enthusiasm and in no short measure, their physical
ability (at no tender age) to carry the 24 pound mace during often
protracted parades such as on Founders Day, the annual parade, to
commemorate the Hospital’s Founder King Charles II.
The Mace bearer is however but one element of the Mace Party which
also comprises 4 In Pensioners escorts armed with halbards and a
Hospital Warrant Officer as the commander. The halberds represent
the half-pike/spontoon issued to 17th&18th century serjeants for
maintaining the straight lines that the British infantry were famous for
fighting in and who traditionally provide the escort to the Regimental
colours. The Warrant Officer rather than an Officer in command is due
to the nature of the Royal Hospital establishment which is somewhat
lean in staff and so the officers carry out the parade duties of company
commanders with their In Pensioners, leaving the Regimental Quartermaster Sergeant (RQMS) to look after the
Mace which is the role of an RQMS in Cavalry Regiments anyway.
The Mace is paraded at various times throughout the year as required but notably for Founders and Remembrance
Day, Friends and Corporate events in the Royal Hospital and more recently during the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee
Armed Forces Muster at Windsor Castle and when exercising its rights under the Freedom of the Royal Borough of
Kensington and Chelsea conferred on the Hospital in 2006 by parading through the streets of the Borough. When not
on parade the Mace normally resides in the Royal Hospital museum where it can be viewed, resting upon the
woolsack, itself on a purpose built table as described below and alongside the Freedom Scroll from the Royal
Borough.
T-SHIRTS
John Rochester, RQMS (C), Compliance Manager & Curator, Royal Hospital, Chelsea
Black T-Shirts with Gold Lettering.
Available in sizes Small to XXL.
£15.00 each.
Please contact the editor (editor@macebearer.com) if you would like one of
these.
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