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With a mirror, lip gloss and a packet of mints hidden in the pockets of her famous blue and red livery uniform, Moira Cameron has become the first woman Beefeater in 522 years to report for duty at the Tower of London.
The 42-year-old, from Argyll in Scotland, began her first shift as a uniformed Yeoman Warder protecting Britain’s Crown Jewels this morning, after two months of training.
Miss Cameron, who previously admitted to a fear of ravens, joked that she had no plans to grow a beard to fit in with her 34 male colleagues.
“This place is magical. It’s just a wonderful job and I’m very, very lucky to have it,” said a beaming Miss Cameron.
“You wake up in the morning and you know you’re going to have a good day.”
Miss Cameron is a Warrant Officer Class 2 who joined the army at 20 and has spent time in Northern Ireland and Cyprus
She was selected over five men to join the historical guard corps, which was created in 1485 with the role of providing security for the 900-year-old Tower, built by William the Conqueror.
Yeoman Warder candidates must have been a warrant officer or senior non-commissioned officer, have served at least 22 years in the army, Royal Air Force or Royal Marines and hold the Long Service and Good Conduct medal.
The Warder’s main role is to guard the Tower and the Crown Jewels, however they spend most of their days guiding visitors and posing patiently for snapshots. They also attend coronations, funerals and charity functions.
Chief Yeoman Warder John Keohane said Miss Cameron’s male colleagues had anticipated that a woman would one day join their ranks, and only one or two had expressed reservations.
“She’s been here for two months and been accepted by the community,” said Mr Keohane, who looks very much the traditional image of a bearded Beefeater.
“Life is moving on here at the Tower,” Mr Keohane said
The 42-year-old, from Argyll in Scotland, began her first shift as a uniformed Yeoman Warder protecting Britain’s Crown Jewels this morning, after two months of training.
Miss Cameron, who previously admitted to a fear of ravens, joked that she had no plans to grow a beard to fit in with her 34 male colleagues.
“This place is magical. It’s just a wonderful job and I’m very, very lucky to have it,” said a beaming Miss Cameron.
“You wake up in the morning and you know you’re going to have a good day.”
Miss Cameron is a Warrant Officer Class 2 who joined the army at 20 and has spent time in Northern Ireland and Cyprus
She was selected over five men to join the historical guard corps, which was created in 1485 with the role of providing security for the 900-year-old Tower, built by William the Conqueror.
Yeoman Warder candidates must have been a warrant officer or senior non-commissioned officer, have served at least 22 years in the army, Royal Air Force or Royal Marines and hold the Long Service and Good Conduct medal.
The Warder’s main role is to guard the Tower and the Crown Jewels, however they spend most of their days guiding visitors and posing patiently for snapshots. They also attend coronations, funerals and charity functions.
Chief Yeoman Warder John Keohane said Miss Cameron’s male colleagues had anticipated that a woman would one day join their ranks, and only one or two had expressed reservations.
“She’s been here for two months and been accepted by the community,” said Mr Keohane, who looks very much the traditional image of a bearded Beefeater.
“Life is moving on here at the Tower,” Mr Keohane said
Hehe - imagine this. 50 years after Britian got a female sovereign, it is now also possible for a female to guard said sovereign's jewelry
Asmodean
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