A Sikh soldier created history by becoming the first to wear a turban rather a bearskin hat during an annual parade that observes the British monarch, according to media reports.
Among 1,000 soldiers, Guardsman Charanpreet Singh Lall, 22, took part in Trooping the Colour ceremony which as well marks the official birthday of Queen Elizabeth II.
His turban was black in color to match his comrade’s headgear and feature the Coldstream Guards ceremonial cap star.
His beaming parents and sister were among the crowds lining Horse Guards Parade for the ceremony.
Lall, from Leicester, who came to the United Kingdom from India as a boy, said, “Being the first turban-wearing Sikh to troop the color and be part of the escort is a high honor.”
“I hope people will look on this as a change in history,” Lall, who joined up in 2016, he added.
“I hope that more people like me, not just Sikhs, but people from other religions and backgrounds, will be encouraged to join the Army,” he was quoted.
While Queen Elizabeth II, Queen of United Kingdom and other Commonwealth realms celebrated her existent birthday on April 21, the Trooping of the Colour takes place on any Saturday of June.
By Sowmya Sangam
