Seamus the dog delights crowds as Irish Guards mascot during Platinum Jubilee parade
The UK's armed forces turned out to help the nation celebrate the Platinum Jubilee on Thursday, but it was one canine companion who won the admiration of the masses.
Irish wolfhound Turlough Mor, also known as Seamus, took centre stage walking down The Mall to lead his troops to Horse Guards Parade for Trooping the Colour.
The Irish Guards are the only Household Division regiment with a mascot, of which each one is presented by the Irish Kennel Club.
Seamus' handler, drummer Adam Walsh, previously said it was a "real privilege” to be part of Trooping the Colour.
“When it comes to the day, it’s all going to pay off. A lot of the lads have bigger parts to play than me and Seamus, but me and him still need to get it all correct,” he added.
Walsh has had Seamus for just under two weeks and said that the Irish wolfhound celebrated his second birthday last week.
He said he has “never met a dog like Seamus” as “not much phases him at all”.
“He’s not nervous. I’m the one who’s nervous, so he’s going to be the one who keeps me on track.”
Trooping the Colour gets it name from a tradition dating back to the 1700s, in which different regiments would show off their flags, so troops would recognise their banners during battle.
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In 1748, King George II combined the annual summer military march with his birthday celebration, despite being born in October.
This tradition has lasted over the course of time, with the Queen taking part in birthday celebrations in June each year, which is known as Trooping the Colour and marks her official birthday, as well as on April 21 – the day she was actually born.