image source: https://www.beridnahogvakten.se/historik/
One of the fun, touristy things to do in Stockholm is to see the parade of the Royal Mounted Guard. Even jaded Stockholmers look as the horses trot from the Cavalry Barrack to the palace. In a country where the monarchy is a bit of a side note, the pomp and circumstance of the changing of the guard is a diverting anomaly.
But nothing goes unregulated. Apparently, the helmets worn by the Royal Mounted Guards (with or without plume) are sub-par. When it comes to safety, the 1800s-style helmet hasn’t kept up with the times. Falling on the helmet spike would no doubt cause a nasty gouge. But, SvD reported, rumor has it that just dropping it on the ground causes it to dent.
a helmet for the times
Meanwhile, the city environment has become louder and busier, stressing the horses. “Riding through the city, with its construction, trams, motorcycles and cars, is to be put in a vulnerable position” Andreas Lundin, safety representative for the music corps of the Defense Association said. “To have the security of a proper and tested riding helmet is the least one can wish for.”
A request that the Swedish Work Environment Authority look into the issue has been on the books since 2012. SvD’s article about the helmets on Thursday of this week sped up the wheels of bureaucracy. On Friday, the Swedish Armed Forces’ Royal Guard representative promised that new helmets would be forthcoming.
The Royal Guards aren’t just pretty. They are actually responsible for defending the Stockholm and Drottningholm palaces, the royal family, as well as helping defend Stockholm city if it were threatened. Every blue-coated, stone-faced, poorly-helmeted guard is a trained soldier or sailor. Respect.