The three newest Beefeaters at the Tower of London will wear the cypher of King Charles III, making them the first to do so since his reign began in September 2022.
Emily Lewis-Garwood, Garry McCormick, and Wayne Glenn have been appointed as Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London and will become the first three to wear the stylised cypher—CRIII under a crown—as the previous ERII, representing the late Queen Elizabeth II, are being phased out.
Lewis-Garwood, McCormick and Glenn will live at the Tower alongside 32 other Yeoman Warders.
The traditional uniform of a Yeoman Warder is a dark blue ‘undress’ that features the monarch’s cypher. They wear the more iconic scarlet and gold uniform for State functions.
Historic Royal Palaces, which looks after the Tower of London, announced in April that King Charles III’s cypher would be added to new Yeoman Warder uniforms. The Yeoman Warders have worn the Sovereign’s cypher since 1570, when Queen Elizabeth I reigned.
In order to be a Yeoman Warder, a person must have 22 years of service in the Armed Forces and receive Long Service and Good Conduct medals whilst also attaining the rank of Warrant Officer or its equivalent in other branches of the military.
The Yeoman Warders have guarded the Tower of London since Tudor times, having earned the nickname ‘Beefeaters’ in the 17th century. They were formed in 1485 by King Henry VII.
Today, they are ceremonial bodyguards for the Sovereign and guard the Crown Jewels, protect the Tower of London, and offer tours. There are 37 Yeoman Warders in total, including the Chief Yeoman Warder and the Yeoman Gaoler.