Heralds and Trumpeters at the Delhi Durbar, 1911

Photograph, India, 1911.

The Delhi Durbar of December 1911 was held to commemorate the coronation of King George V and Queen Mary as Emperor and Empress of India. Over 30,000 British and Indian soldiers attended the event.

Heralds, originally messengers in medieval times, were tasked with reading proclamations during occasions of state. They would wear a short coat known as a tabard that was emblazoned with the royal coat of arms.

From an album of 215 photographs, colour plates and press cuttings, 1880-1965; history of the 3rd Cavalry, 1880-1958.