Godfrey Morris, Master Saddler and former Rear Quarter Master of the Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery, gave Karen Lile a tour of the King’s Troop a few months before HRH King Charles III coronation. The Kings Troop is the Saluting Battery of His Majesty’s Household Troops. It fires gun salutes in London on royal anniversaries and takes part in State Ceremonial occasions and Public Duties. The highest standard of turnout and professionalism is required from the soldiers as they perform in front of the Royal Family and public at national and international events. Below is a photograph that includes Godfrey Morris in position next to Queen Elizabeth’s procession, from Buckingham Palace to Westminster for lying in state at Westminster Abbey.
Godfrey joined the British Army and was posted to St. Johns Wood in May 2002. By 2018, he had moved up the ranks to the position of Rear Quartermaster, responsible for coordinating and meeting the logistical requirements of the King’s Troop, both during routine business and whilst forward mounted to conduct State and Ceremonial Duties. In 2018 Godfrey Morris was awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct medal, demonstrating his service durning his employment.
He was also made a member of the Most Excellen Order of the British Empire given the rank of MBE, the third highest ranking Order of the Britis empire award (excluding a knighthood/damehood), behind CBE and then OBE. The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire is a British order of chilvary, rewarding contributions to the arts and sciences, work with charitable and welfare organizations and public service outside the civil service. Godfrey is an Ambassador for the Armed Forces Equine Charity.
Twice during his service, Godfrey Morris served in the position as Master Saddler maintaining the saddlery of 170 personnel and 120 horses. Morris leaves the British Army following a career spanning over 20 years and is now an entrepreneur, with a new business of his own called Crown Craft Leather. As a Master Saddler, he is also a Freeman of the Saddler’s Guild and member of the Society of Master Saddlers.