Royal Company of Archers
The Royal Company of Archers is the ceremonial bodyguard of the British monarch in Scotland .
The unit was founded in 1676 as a private association , which it is still today. Since a visit by King George IV in 1822, the Royal Company of Archers has served as the monarch's personal bodyguard when he is in Scotland.
Today the tasks are purely ceremonial. The Company provides the guards for the introduction of Knights of the Thistle Order in St. Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh , for investitures in Holyroodhouse and for the annual garden party there.
Only Scots or people with strong ties to Scotland can be elected to the Royal Company of Archers. The company currently has around 530 members. It is led by a captain general, four captains, four lieutenants, four ensigns and twelve brigadiers as officers . Current Captain-General is David Ogilvy, 8th Earl of Airlie , KT , GCVO , PC . Kraft Office is the Captain General Gold Stick of the British monarch for Scotland.
Sir Angus Ogilvy was a lieutenant in the company until his death.
