'˜Royal duties ahoy!'

ROYAL Navy sailors will be guarding the Queen for the first time tomorrow after being declared fit for action.

Eighty-six sailors from 45 Royal Navy ships and shore establishments have learned the intricate routines and drill movements needed for royal duties at Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, Windsor Castle and the Tower of London.

Sailors honing their skills at Wellington Barracks in preparation for their Royal guard duties

placeholder image — Sailors honing their skills at Wellington Barracks in preparation for their Royal guard duties

They will perform the Changing of the Guard duty at Buckingham Palace tomorrow.

It’s the first time the Senior Service has ever undertaken the operation, which will last for two weeks.

They spent a month training at the Royal Navy’s HQ in Portsmouth, beating the parade ground, being supported by instructors from the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards.