What can you tell me about this photograph?

QI found this amazing photo in my late father’s things. I have no idea who these soldiers are, but I did have relations in the Army. Can you suggest a rough date, and tell me their regiment? Paul Ellis

This photograph shows six army officers from at least three regiments, taken on a formal occasion. The three carrying bearskins are Grenadier Guards, the second from the right is from the Alexandra, Princess

Aof Wales’s Own Yorkshire Regiment, and the other two are probably from the Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire Light Infantry. They’re all wearing Second Boer War medals, suggesting 1903 or later, and still have their ranks displayed by lace on their cuffs. This was replaced in 1902 (except for the Guards) by the ‘pip and crown’ arrangement familiar in First World War photos, which probably took a year or two to come completely into effect.

Although officers received pay, it was never enough to cover expensive mess bills, several horses and buying their uniforms and equipment. A 1903 committee said at least £200 (about £24,000 today) was required per annum as private income in an ordinary infantry regiment. In the cavalry, Guards and the ‘posher’ regiments, it could be several times more. There’s serious money here.

The background looks like a private house, and the three regiments represented and formal uniforms suggest that one of them is getting married, or another big family event. Phil Tomaselli