LONDON - His Majesty the Sultan and Yang Di-Pertuan of Brunei Darussalam, Minister of Defence and Supreme Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, on Friday visited the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment (HCMR) at Hyde Park Barracks, Knightsbridge, London, United Kingdom.

Also present were Her Royal Highness Princess 'Azemah Ni'matul Bolkiah and Her Royal Highness Princess Fadzilah Lubabul Bolkiah. His Majesty was greeted upon arrival at Hyde Park Barracks Square by 4th Division GOC, Major General Larmont Kirkland; Commander of Household Cavalry, Col Stuart Cowen and Commanding Officer HCMR, Lt Col Dan Hughes.

Also present were the Undersecretary of State and Lords Spokesman on Defence, the Hon Lord Astor and Master of the Horse, the Hon Lord Vestey, a press release from the Prime Minister's Office in Brunei said.

His Majesty then witnessed the 'Change of Guards' from the Queen's Life Guards. His Majesty then proceeded to the Indoor Riding School to witness Pass-off Routine which was showcased by eight Queen's Life Guards personnel under the command of His Royal Highness Second Lieutenant Prince 'Abdul Mateen.

His Majesty then proceeded back to the Hyde Park Barrack Square to witness the Change of Guards under the command of his son. Before dismissing his duty, HRH Second Lieutenant Prince 'Abdul Mateen asked for His Majesty's consent to exit from the parade.

His Majesty later proceeded to take a closer look at the handling of horses at the Forge and to the officers' mess for luncheon and to sign the visitor's book and mingled with the HCMR officers.

Prior to a luncheon, His Majesty consented to hand over the Blues and Royals Sword to HRH Second Lieutenant Prince 'Abdul Mateen, signalling the end of the Ceremonial Horse Riding for His Royal Highness.

The sword signifies that the officer who receives it has become a member of the Blues and Royals of the Household Cavalry. His Majesty also received a 'Pesambah' from the Commanding Officer of Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment.

HCMR is part of the Household Cavalry which includes the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals, both of which are the supreme regiments in the British Force. HCMR is responsible in carrying out ceremonial tasks, be it riding a horse or otherwise in state and royal ceremonies.

Also present at the ceremony were the Speaker of the Brunei Legislative Council, Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Bakti Diraja Dato Laila Utama Hj Awg Isa bin Pehin Datu Perdana Menteri Dato Laila Utama Hj Awg Ibrahim; Second Finance Minister at the Prime Minister's Office, Pehin Orang Kaya Laila Setia Dato Seri Setia Hj Abdul Rahman Hj Ibrahim; Commander of the RBAF Major General Dato Paduka Seri Hj Aminuddin Ihsan Pehin Orang Kaya Saiful Mulok Dato Seri Paduka Hj Abidin and the High Commissioner of Brunei to United Kingdom, Hj Mohd Aziyan Abdullah. - Borneo Bulletin (12th June 2011)