Sikh soldier set to make history in Trooping the Colour turban
A COLDSTREAM Guards soldier who will wear a turban as he parades during Trooping the Colour hopes it is looked upon as a “new change in history”.
More than 1,000 soldiers will take part in the ceremony to mark the Queen’s official birthday today.
For Gdmn Charanpreet Singh Lall the event is not only his first Trooping the Colour, but also marks the first time a member of the Coldstream Guards has taken part wearing a turban.
“I hope that more people like me, not just Sikhs but from other religions and different backgrounds, will be encouraged to join the Army,” he said. “I have never been made to feel different or left out. My family say I should be proud for them and the whole Sikh community.”
A member of the 1st Bn Coldstream Guards, his turban will be black, featuring the ceremonial cap star to match the bearskin hats.
Gdmn Lall, who was born in Punjab, India, and moved to the UK as a baby, said he felt excited. “I’m quite proud and I know that a lot of other people are proud of me as well,” he said. “My mum was crying on the day I passed out so I wonder what is going to happen to her when she sees me in this.”