Sikh becomes first Buckingham Palace guard with turban

A Sikh soldier has become the first guardsman to parade outside Buckingham Palace wearing a turban instead of the famous bearskin.

Jatenderpal Singh Bhullar, 25, is the first guardsman in 180 years of tradition to choose to wear his turban on the famous forecourt.

The Scots Guardsman had earlier said that being the first Sikh to mount guard in a turban would be the 'best thing in his life'.

"Conducting public duties while being a practising Sikh and wearing my turban is a great honour for me," the 25-year-old said.

"I am very proud to be a member of the Household

Division and to be the first Sikh Guardsman to mount guard in a turban will be the best thing in my life, especially as a member of the Scots Guards," he added.

"The regiment is full of history, as is my religion," the Telegraph quoted him, as saying.

According to the report, Bhullar, from West Bromwich in the West Midlands, has joined F Company Scots Guards, what is known as an 'incremental company' of soldiers responsible for delivering ceremonial duties in London.

As someone, who adheres to all five symbols that mark Sikh identify, Bhullar will also be distinguished from his fellow soldiers on parade by his beard, the report added.