Blog
  /  Fashion   /  How + Why I Have a British UK Army Redcoat From The Queen’s Guard
How + Why I Have a British UK Army Redcoat From The Queen’s Guard

How + Why I Have a British UK Army Redcoat From The Queen’s Guard

UK History and Honor of British Army Redcoat of the Queen’s Guard

On my first trip to Scotland to meet my in-laws back in 2010, my father-in-law told me not to come back until I had been to London and seen the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace. I obliged. On the next trip to the UK, Boyd booked our trip to London to meet his brother and experience the Changing of the Guards for his hundredth time.

I immediately became infatuated with the Queens Guard’s attire, worn historically by the British Army. Redcoats are also known as a “coatee”. These coats have been worn since the 17th century and are still worn to date. They are mostly red because the English flag is red and white, and the uniforms were designed in the 17th century before Scotland entered the UK. In 1873, it was decided that the redcoat or coatee would be worn all soldiers, sergeants, and some cavalry regiments – no matter their rank.

Me In My British Army Redcoat

How + Why I Have a British UK Army Redcoat From The Queen’s Guard

Me, Christi Tasker in British Army Redcoat

On my recent 42nd birthday, we had one frigid day in Miami. It was a mere 52 degrees Fahrenheit. The remainder of the United States was experiencing below-freezing temperatures. When Boyd asked what I wanted for my birthday, I said, “my already purchased red coat down from the cedar storage box” resides at our closet’s top. I was going to be sooooo Miami and wear this baby out while it was sooo “cold.”

How + Why I Have a British UK Army Redcoat From The Queen’s Guard
How + Why I Have a British UK Army Redcoat From The Queen’s Guard

Me, Christi Tasker in British Army Redcoat sitting in front of a Sheppard Fairy mural in Wynwood, Miami. 

Turns out, everyone loves it! In Miami, they think it’s a Gucci jacket. 

How + Why I Have a British UK Army Redcoat From The Queen’s Guard

Almost everywhere I’ve traveled recently in my red Queen’s Guard coat, the people think IT’s something different. In Las Vegas, people stopped me walking through the SLS casino to ask questions like a monkey, aka. their employees. On my recent trip to Venice, Italy, people thought I was dressed up for Carnevale.

How + Why I Have a British UK Army Redcoat From The Queen’s Guard

In Miami, some think it’s PROPAGANDA.

How + Why I Have a British UK Army Redcoat From The Queen’s Guard
How + Why I Have a British UK Army Redcoat From The Queen’s Guard

In Dallas, they thought it was a “Michael Jackson coat”.

How + Why I Have a British UK Army Redcoat From The Queen’s Guard

In high-end department stores that carry Gucci, such as Dallas’ Forty Five Ten, where they carry Gucci, they just wanted to know “who is the designer was?”

I only wish I knew. Do you? If so, please comment below.

My Scottish friends have clarified that this is an Irish Guard’s jacket identified by the clover on the collar. The Irish coats also have four buttons, whereas the Scottish have a series of three buttons. A special thanks to my Facebook group friend, Jim Broon. I appreciate your help in identifying the coat type.

Yes, I understand my gold Roberto Cavalli snake aviator glasses look similar to Michael Jackson’s Thriller glasses. Gold chain necklace available on ChristiTasker.com 

How + Why I Have a British UK Army Redcoat From The Queen’s Guard

Me, Christi Tasker in British Army Redcoat with Roberto Cavalli sunglasses.

How + Why I Have a British UK Army Redcoat From The Queen’s Guard

Me, Christi Tasker in British Army Redcoat with my own collection earrings available on ChristiTasker.com

And yes, this coat is just so maximalist ME, but there’s a real story behind why I have this beautiful British Army red coat.

How + Why I Have a British UK Army Redcoat From The Queen’s Guard

After seeing the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace, Boyd and I ventured over to the wild and crazy Camden Market.

Of course, I noticed the red coat hanging in the window of a vintage store, so I dashed over like a kid after candy. A minute or two later, the nice lady in the store greeted Boyd as he followed me in. I was searching the rows of redcoats for the right size, one that was clean, and no missing buttons. That alone is a chore in a vintage shop. Boyd proceeded to tell her the story of his dad, who was Queen’s Guard from the Scot’s Guard division. The lady turned around and asked, “Oh, dear! Why don’t you see if you can refurbish your granddad’s redcoat?”

Obviously, we died laughing, and this coat always reminds me of how young I feel, and fortunately, some people think I am….or at least, that’s what I like to tell myself. Otherwise, Boyd would have to face looking 20 years my senior versus the 9 years he is. I am just not so sure my father-in-law would like me to wear the Irish version of the Queen’s Guard Coatee.

I’m curious….have you ever miscalculated someone’s age and stuck your foot in your mouth? Please do tell below.

Fashion credits:

Shop This Style

No products were found!

Proins gravida nibh vel velit auctor aliquet. Aenean sollicitudin, lorem quis bibendum auctor, nisi elit de conse qu atip sum, nec sagittis dolor sit amet, consectetur adipis eng elit. In ut ulla corper leo, eget eui et orci. Cum et sociis natoques penatibu et magnis parturie montes, nascetur ridicu lus mus. Vestibu ni ultricies aliquam de convallis. Des ece nas utimsems tellus proin tinci de lect. Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste natus error sit voluptatem accusantium doloremque laudantium, totam rem aperiam, eaque ipsa quae ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beatae vitae dicta sunt explicabo. Nemo enim ipsam voluptatem quia voluptas sit aspernatur aut odit aut fugit, sed quia consequuntur.

a

Proins gravida nibh vel velit auctor aliquet. Aenean sollicitudin, lorem quis bibendum auctor, nisi elit de conse qu atip sum, nec sagittis dolor sit amet, consectetur adipis eng elit. In ut ulla corper leo, eget eui et orci. Cum et sociis natoques penatibu et magnis parturie montes, nascetur ridicu lus mus. Vestibu ni ultricies aliquam de convallis. Des ece nas utimsems tellus proin tinci de lect. Aliquam lorem ante, dapibus in, viverra quis, feugiat a, tellus elit laurit eiusmod reus tempor incididunt.

P.S. You’re entering my life as a serial globetrotter & entrepreneur living in Miami. Welcome to my life as a global creative brand director, Designer for my home décor & online jewelry boutique CHRISTI TASKER. Find out about my life as the NBC News social media pioneer or see my cute grandkids as I’m #GlammaGAGA, mom of an OR nurse and @TravelingPoodle, wife of a Brit, interior design educator, + more. Follow me on Instagram if you really want to find out more about me & whatever you do – live in luxury for less and travel like a Rockstar for less.

Leave a Comment

15% OFF YOUR FIRST ORDER +
  • Auto entries for monthly wishlist giveaways!
  • First to shop new, limited edition, sale & vintage fashion jewelry & home decor.
  • Free gift wrap, handwritten notes, & global shipping.
  • Invites to attend online trunk shows & eve
JOIN ROCKSTAR REWARDS NOW

Enter your email and check your inbox to save 15% off your first order.