The Royal Malay Regiment will be Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace for the first time today. They will be accompanied by their own band.

This colourful regiment was founded in 1938 and has a distinguished record in the Second World War, The Malaysian Emergency in the fifties, and the Indonesian Confrontation in the sixties.

A 130-man strong company and band are commanded by Major Mohd Fuad Ghazali. It began public duties providing the Windsor Castle Guard on April 29, 2008. Their duties in London are expected to conclude on June 13, 2008.

Major Fuad said: “It is a great honour to be here guarding the Royal Palaces and it is an expression of the close ties between our two countries”.

London District Brigade Major Lt Colonel Jeremy Bagshaw said: “We are delighted to welcome the Royal Malay Regiment to participate in ceremonial duties. We are most impressed by the excellence of their turnout and their quality of drill and musicianship”.

During their stay the band accompanying the guard will also be involved in other events, including the Royal Windsor Castle Tattoo on May 8, 9 and 10 and Beating Retreat on Horse Guards on June 4 and 5.

The battalion is allied to the Royal Anglian Regiment.

During their tour the company is based at RAF Uxbridge.