The Queen Makes History By Hiring First Black Equerry

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(Image credit: Rex Features (Shutterstock))

By Jessica Ransom 2017-07-11T09:23:00Z

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.

Jessica Ransom

Jessica is a Senior Food Writer at Future and is an enthusiastic, self-taught cook who adores eating out and sharing great food and drink with friends and family. She has completed the Level 1 Associate course at the Academy of Cheese and is continually building on her knowledge of beers, wines and spirits.

Jessica writes food and drink related news stories and features, curates product pages, tests and reviews equipment and also develops recipes which she styles on food shoots. Some career highlights for Jessica include chatting to one of her favourite food writers and chefs Sabrina Ghayour for an interview in Country Homes and Interiors and having the opportunity to meet the legendary Michel Roux Jr. and Raymond Blanc.