A senior Army officer will break new ground at the heart of the
monarchy next year when she becomes the first woman to serve as
crown equerry, one of the most prestigious posts within the Royal
Household.
Colonel Erica Bridge, 52, currently the defence attaché in Rome,
has been selected by the King and
Queen after a competitive interview process. She will succeed
Colonel Toby Browne, who retires in the spring after 15 years
steering royal transport operations as crown equerry.
The position carries sweeping responsibility: the crown equerry
oversees every aspect of official transport for the Royal Family,
from state carriage processions to the fleet of chauffeur-driven
cars used for engagements at home and abroad. The role also
includes command of the Royal Mews – its horses, grooms and
specialist staff – an institution that has served the monarchy for
centuries.
Horses are at the centre of Colonel Bridge’s life. Away from
work, she has also been a successful amateur jockey – winning the
prestigious Grand Military Gold Cup at Sandown Park in 2016, with
Princess Anne presenting her with the trophy.
Colonel Bridge’s tenure will begin during a period of
significant change. The Royal Mews, long rooted at Buckingham
Palace, is preparing to relocate to Windsor as the Royal Family’s
working routines have shifted away from central London. Officials
say the move reflects practical considerations rather than
symbolism, with the King and Queen predominantly based at Clarence
House when in the capital.
Buckingham Palace, still the monarch’s central office, remains
largely uninhabited while undergoing a £369 million refurbishment
intended to modernise essential infrastructure. The project, now
several years into its schedule, has brought an influx of
tradespeople through its gates.
To mark Small Business Saturday last week, the Palace
highlighted the work of more than 220 small firms involved in the
overhaul. A message shared on the Royal Family’s social media
channels offered thanks to the plumbers, electricians, stonemasons,
carpenters, art handlers, demolition teams and other specialists
underpinning the vast restoration. Their contribution, the
statement said, would help ensure that the building is “fit for
future generations to enjoy”.
Small and medium-sized businesses employ around 60 per cent of
the UK workforce and generate an estimated £2.8 trillion in
turnover – a figure the Palace was keen to acknowledge as it
showcased those working behind the scenes on one of the country’s
most significant heritage projects.
Colonel Bridge’s appointment, meanwhile, marks a historic step
for the Royal Household, which has gradually opened senior posts to
women across the past few decades. Her arrival at the Royal Mews
next year will place her at the helm of one of the monarchy’s most
recognisable ceremonial institutions – and at the forefront of a
modernising moment quietly unfolding behind palace walls.
