UK: Sikh soldier becomes first to guard Queen while wearing turban

Jatenderpal Singh Bhullar is the first to break with the 180-year-old tradition of wearing the iconic bearskin hat.

By Jennifer Wade Saturday 15 Dec 2012, 9:53 AM

Dec 15th 2012, 9:53 AM 14,850 Views 93 Comments

http://jrnl.ie/717147

Jatinderpal Singh Bhullar, 25, becomes the first person to guard the Queen wearing a turban instead of a traditional bearskin as F Company Scots Guard arrive for the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, London. (Anthony Devlin/PA)

A SIKH SOLDIER has made history by becoming the first to guard the British monarch while wearing a turban instead of the traditional bearskin hats.

Jatenderpal Singh Bhullar, a 25-year-old soldier with the Scots Guards regiment, took part in the changing of the guard at the London home of Queen Elizabeth II.

Sikhs wear turbans as a mark of honour, self-respect, courage, spirituality, and piety - and have done so in battles for centuries while fighting for the British Army.

“Conducting public duties while being a practicing Sikh and wearing my turban is a great honour for me,” Bhullar said.

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UK: Sikh soldier becomes first to guard Queen while wearing turban