King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery

OVER forty horses from the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery went on a Christmas Eve outing to Blackheath yesterday morning.

Tinsel, Christmas jumpers and other festive outfits were the order of the day for both riders and horses in the now-traditional Christmas Eve trip.

Based in Woolwich since 2012, the King's Troop set off on their seasonal hack through the streets of south east London at about half past eight.

The Troop travelled through Charlton village to Blackheath where they were met with mince pies and sherry as they reached Morden College.

After refreshments and a chance for residents of Morden College to admire the horses, the King's Troop headed back to their barracks in Repository Road.

VIDEO: King's Troop RHA in Christmas outing to Blackheath

PICTURES: See the King's Troop in Christmas outfits

The King's Troop pass Charlton House on their way to Blackheath

Over forty horses took part in the seasonal display

Canary Wharf in the background as the Troop cross Blackheath

Onlookers turned out to watch the now-traditional Christmas outing

Refreshments were enjoyed at Morden College, Blackheath

The King's Troop RHA go back across the heath as they head back to Woolwich

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THE KING'S Troop Royal Horse Artillery has received its annual inspection at the Royal Artillery Barracks in Woolwich.

The Troop, which moved to Woolwich from St John's Wood in 2012, formed up in the Parade Ground in front of the 18th century barracks this morning shortly after 9am.

With a stirring musical accompaniment from the Royal Artillery Band, making a rare return to Woolwich since leaving the town in 2014, the Royal Horse Artillery was inspected and 'declared fit to represent the nation.'

After the inspection, the Troop moved on to Barrack Field where they performed a Musical Drive and fired six guns for a crowd of spectators which included local school children.

It's the first time the King's Troop has received the annual inspection in Woolwich since their move to south-east London. They had continued to use Regent's Park until last year's event which was held in Charlton Park.

Photos from the King's Troop RHA Annual Inspection

The Troop made the short journey from the purpose-built facility at King George VI lines along Repository Road.

The Royal Artillery Barracks provides a stunning backdrop to the inspection. At 329 metres in length, it is thought to be the longest Georgian frontage in Europe.

The Troop formed up shortly after 9am this morning.

The inspection found the Troop "fit to represent the nation"

The Royal Artillery Band attended the Inspection - they left Woolwich in 2014 after a 250 year association with the town.

The Royal Artillery Band march out of the Parade Ground and on to the Barrack Field.

The impressive Musical Drive took place in glorious spring sunshine.

The next major event for the King's Troop will be a Royal Salute in Green Park for the State Opening of Parliament on May 18th.

A sword glistens in the sunshine this morning.

Six guns were fired by the Troop, bringing the demonstration to a close before they returned to the King George VI Lines.

Short video from the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery Annual Inspection - April 2016

 

THE KING'S Troop Royal Horse Artillery have made their now-traditional Christmas eve appearance in seasonal outfits.

Horses and riders alike were decorated with tinsel and Christmas costumes as they made the journey from their purpose-built barracks in Woolwich to Blackheath.

The Troop were greeted by residents of Morden College where mince pies, mulled wine and brandy were served.

The Troop on Prince of Wales Road, Blackheath, with a 108 bus behind them

The outfits included Christmas jumpers, Santa costumes and snowman suits.

Once at Morden College, the Troop spent time talking to residents and having their photographs taken.

Rudolph the red nosed horse

King's Troop RHA leaving Morden College

Seen from across the heath as they head off back to their base at Woolwich which they moved to in 2012.

Greenwich.co.uk would like to take this opportunity to wish readers, subscribers and followers on the site and on our social media channels a very Merry Christmas.