Soldier overcomes fight to see Life Guards dream come true
A SOLDIER has achieved his lifelong ambition of joining the Household Cavalry – the Queen’s personal bodyguard.
As a boy of just eight Steven Lloyd was spellbound by the sight of a Life Guard from the Household Cavalry on Sentry Duty during a trip to London.
Now after years of blood, sweat and tears, the 22-year-old has been selected for the regiment.
Steven went to Upton Priory Primary School, Fallibroome Academy and Macclesfield College.
He is a former cadet of 201 (Macclesfield) Squadron, Air Training Corps, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant.
He joined the Army in 2014 and completed his training at Pirbright in Surrey and Bovington in Dorset.
But it wasn’t an easy ride for Steven who had to overcome injuries including a broken hand and a chipped bone in his knee.
Despite these setbacks, Steven gained the Bedford Shield award for being the most improved rider.
His dad Peter, commanding officer of the 201, said: “We are extremely proud as his parents.
“In 2002 as an eight year old, while on a trip to London, Steven was spellbound by the sight of a Life Guard from the Household Cavalry on sentry duty and insisted his dad take his photograph with the mounted soldier.
“All at 201 are extremely pleased as Steven, a regular visitor to the Squadron when he is home on leave, has achieved his ambition, but to also be awarded the Bedford Shield, is a superb example to the cadets of both Macclesfield and the Greater Manchester Wing as a whole.
Steve’s parents Justine and Peter live on Grangelands in Macclesfield.
Justine works at Well Pharmacy on Park Lane, while Peter is a firefighter at Macclesfield station.
The Household Cavalry is a corps of the British Army.
Steven belongs to the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR), part of the Household Division and is the Queen’s official bodyguard.
Based in London, Steven’s unit carries out ceremonial duties on state and royal occasions.
These include the Queen’s Birthday Parade, known as Trooping the Colour, in June each year. Other occasions include state visits by visiting heads of state, or whenever required by the Queen.