CHANGE IN TRADITION FOR PALACE CEREMONY
Canadian is first female infantry officer to lead Changing of Guard
LONDON— A Canadian captain made history Monday by becoming the first female infantry officer to lead the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London.
Megan Couto led her unit — the 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, or “The Patricias” — in the ceremony, an event witnessed by thousands of tourists annually.
“I’m just focusing on doing my job as best I can and staying humble,” said Couto, 24. “Any of my peers would be absolutely delighted to be captain of the Queen’s Guard and I’m equally honoured.”
The unit was invited to Britain to mark the 150th anniversary of Confederation.
The role of mounting the Queen’s Guard usually falls to the British army’s Household Division, which is part of the maledominated infantry division.
“While Capt. Megan Couto of 2nd Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry, is the first female infantry officer to undertake the role, it has been performed by female officers before,” the army said. “We look forward to seeing a British army female infantry captain of the Queen’s Guard when roles are opened up to women by the end of next year.”
Canadian women have been allowed to serve in the infantry since the 1980s.
Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry is named after Princess Patricia of Connaught, a granddaughter of Queen Victoria. The 2nd Battalion is based in Shilo, Man.