The Daily Telegraph

First woman to lead Changing the Guard

- By Hannah Furness ROYAL CORRESPOND­ENT

WHEN Captain Megan Couto calls out her oh-so-familiar drill commands on Monday morning, she will make history.

At 24 years old and five foot two-and-a-half inches tall, she will become the first woman to command the Queen’s Guard in its 180 years at Buckingham Palace.

Captain Couto, a 24-yearold Canadian who serves with the Second Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (2PPCLI), will be the face of equality in the Armed Forces, taking on responsibi­lity for the ceremonial Changing the Guard before any British woman has been allowed into the infantry. Captain Couto said that she was grateful and honoured to be given the “huge privilege”, and hopes not to lose her voice in the era-defining moment.

The 2PPCLI mount the Guard at Buckingham Palace for the first time this month on the 150th anniversar­y of Canada. Their colonel-inchief was Countess Mountbatte­n, who died at the age of 93 earlier this month.

Captain Couto, who has been with the military for seven years, said:“i feel very much like I’m just doing my duty.

“But at the same time I know it’s unique, and a special occasion, and so I’m very grateful and definitely honoured to be given the opportunit­y.”

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