The Queen Makes History By Hiring First Black Equerry

The Queen has announced her next equerry -Major Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah. The Ghanaian-born officer from the Household Cavalry will serveas the first black equerry for the British royal family in history.

The Queen's equerry, who will accompany and assist Her Majesty at royal engagements, will be needed more now than ever, now that the Queen's husband, Prince Philip, plans to retire in autumn. As equerry, Twumasi-Ankrahwill be a crucial source of support for the Queen and an important confidante.

In the modern climate of racial tensions, which continue to sweep across Europe and America,Twumasi-Ankrah's appointment is a symbolic and powerful gesture that can only be seen as a positive move by the royal family.

This Queen's equerry is an officer of the British Armed Forces, who historically was mainly in charge of the Queen's horses. Nowadays however the equerry serves as a de facto senior aide and assistant to the Queen.This is a huge announcement as the equerry often stands by the Queen's side as official engagements. He is one of the most visible members of Her Majesty's household.

Credit: Youtube/ Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Speaking about his appointment,Twumasi-Ankrah said: "I would have never imagined that one day I'd command the regiment which I'd fallen in love with. From what I've seen in the UK, our cultures really do mix and if I'm not a good example of that I really don't know what is."

Twumasi-Ankrah, known as T.A to his friends, is an Afghanistan War veteran who studied at Queen Mary University of London and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. So there is no doubt that he is one of the best possible candidates for the job.

This is not the first time thatTwumasi-Ankrah has worked closely with the royal family. In 2011 he served as as escort commander at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.