A Decade with The Royal Lancers: Rory Lewis Captures the Heritage of Queen Elizabeth’s Own
2025 marks a decade since the formation of The Royal Lancers (Queen Elizabeth’s Own)—a proud union of the 9th/12th Royal Lancers and The Queen’s Royal Lancers. Formed on May 2nd, 2015 as part of the British Army’s restructuring under Army 2020, the regiment inherited generations of tradition, duty, and distinction. Over the past ten years, The Royal Lancers have continued to serve King and country with unwavering professionalism and honor.
Capturing a New Chapter: The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment
In June 2021, I returned to Hyde Park Barracks to photograph the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment — this time capturing a historic milestone with the inclusion of some of the first female soldiers to serve in the unit. Known worldwide for their ceremonial duties as the Monarch’s bodyguard, the HCMR embodies centuries of tradition. To portray both their enduring heritage and this new chapter of change was a profound moment, preserving the evolving face of the British Army through portraiture.
1st Battalion, The Rifles Portrait Sittings
Among the many regiments I photographed, the1st Battalion, The Riflesstands out for its deep sense of tradition and distinct identity. Little has changed for The Rifles since the Napoleonic Wars. They remain at the forefront of battle — trained as marksmen and defined by discipline, independence, and quiet professionalism. They do not carry a flag; instead, their Battle Honours are proudly worn on their parade uniforms.
Field Marshal The Lord Guthrie Portrait Sitting
One of the most meaningful opportunities through the Heroes in Focus Non Profit and the growing Rory Lewis Archive has been the chance to photograph senior figures in the British Armed Forces. Among these, capturing a British Field Marshal stands out as both an artistic milestone and a historic privilege.
Second to None': Preserving History with the Coldstream Guards.
The Heroes in Focus Non Profit is proud to have funded an extraordinary series of portraits featuring the Coldstream Guards, one of the most iconic regiments in British military history. These portraits, masterfully captured by Rory Lewis, have been donated to the National Army Museum in London, preserving the legacy and valor of those who serve in the British Armed Forces.
Honoring Leadership: Capturing Major General Bob Bruce CBE, DSO for the Heroes in Focus Non Profit
The Heroes in Focus Non Profit is proud to share another milestone in our mission to honor and preserve the legacies of those who serve. Recently, we had the privilege of capturing Major General Bob Bruce CBE, DSO, in a commanding portrait session that reflects his dedication and distinguished career in the British Army.
