Swiss Guard vs. Other Royal Bodyguards – A Historical Comparison

If you’ve ever seen the Swiss Guard standing sentinel at the Vatican — those unmistakable uniforms that look like something out of a Renaissance painting — you might’ve wondered, “Wait, they’re still around?” Yep.

And they’re not ceremonial props, either. They’re legit bodyguards, well-trained and dead serious about their job: protecting the Pope.

But they’re not the only royal protectors with centuries of history behind them. Across Europe (and beyond), other monarchies have their own elite guards, each with a unique blend of tradition, ceremony, and actual security muscle.

Think Buckingham Palace’s stoic sentries, or the dramatic flair of Morocco’s Royal Guard on horseback.

Let’s pull back the curtain on how the Swiss Guard stacks up against other royal bodyguards around the world — in terms of history, function, uniforms, and, yep, actual combat training.

A Quick Snapshot: Who’s Who in Royal Protection

Before getting into the grit, here’s a brief rundown of a few major players in the royal bodyguard scene:

Yeah, some of these sound like they were pulled straight out of a medieval fantasy — but most are modern outfits with real tactical chops.

The Swiss Guard: More Than Just Flashy Uniforms

First, let’s clear something up: the Swiss Guard isn’t just Vatican cosplay. Recruits are actual Swiss citizens, all Catholic, all male, all with Swiss military training.

It’s not some tourist gimmick — these guys carry Glocks under those breeches and can switch from parade stance to active defense in seconds.

Requirements to Join

To become a Swiss Guard, you have to be:

And yes, they have to actually like the Pope. Loyalty isn’t just a formality.

What They Actually Do

Despite the frilly look, their day job is serious:

And yes, the uniform does look like something Michelangelo dreamed up — but fun fact: it was designed in the early 1900s by Commandant Jules Repond, inspired by Renaissance art.

The British Household Division: Precision, Pageantry… and Firearms

Flip over to the UK and you’ve got the Household Division — those red-coated, bearskin-hat-wearing guards outside Buckingham Palace. 

Now, while they often appear stiff as statues, the reality is? They’re fully operational soldiers who rotate in and out of active duty, including deployments abroad.

Ceremonial vs. Combat

There’s a reason the Queen’s (now King’s) Guard can look so stoic during changing of the guard — they’re trained to not break rank, even if tourists do their worst. But they’re also:

It’s not uncommon for the same guards who stand outside royal palaces to serve in combat zones like Afghanistan.

The Royal Guard of Spain: Tradition with a Tactical Twist

Spain’s Guardia Real is less visible on the world stage but plays a crucial role in the security of the Spanish monarchy. Formed from various older units going back to Ferdinand and Isabella, it’s one of the oldest protective services in Europe.

Who’s in the Guard?

So yeah, they’ve got the “ceremonial box-checking” covered, but their structure is more military-focused than the Brits or Swiss. They also run joint exercises with NATO forces — definitely more boots-on-the-ground in modern defense than you might expect.

Morocco’s Royal Guard: Power and Pageantry

@1stmorocco Since 1088 🇲🇦 #morocco ♬ Ya man malakni يا من ملكني imanehzb – ⚜️ queenofza3za3 ⚜️

In Morocco, the Royal Guard is more than a pretty face. It has roots in the Black Guard (or ‘Abid al-Bukhari’) dating back to the 17th century, originally composed of enslaved soldiers from sub-Saharan Africa who became fiercely loyal to the Sultan.

It’s a complex and often uncomfortable history, but the modern force is very different.

Modern Role

Today, the Royal Guard is:

Unlike Europe’s ceremonial-heavy outfits, Morocco’s guard doesn’t participate in foreign deployments. They focus almost exclusively on domestic protection and royal appearances.

France’s Republican Guard: Yes, They Still Have One

Even without a monarchy, France retains a “royal-style” protective service. The Republican Guard protects the President, performs ceremonial duties, and secures state buildings like the Élysée Palace and the Senate.

Real-World Duties

They also act as a national reserve police force, and in certain situations, can support counter-terrorism operations.

Their horseback cavalry and full regalia at state ceremonies keep tradition alive — but make no mistake, they’re legit in a crisis.

How They Stack Up: A Side-by-Side Breakdown

So what separates these units? Here’s a clearer comparison:

Security vs. Symbolism: Where’s the Line?

Let’s not kid ourselves: a big part of any royal guard’s job is optics. Ceremony matters. Uniforms matter. There’s political and cultural messaging embedded in every parade and salute.

But there’s also the gritty reality of high-threat environments. The 1981 assassination attempt on Pope John Paul II shifted the Swiss Guard’s internal protocols, pushing them toward a more modern, responsive defense posture.

Likewise, after events like the 2017 Westminster attack, UK royal guards have upgraded alert systems and collaborated more closely with domestic counter-terror units.

No matter how archaic their outfits may seem, these guards aren’t locked in the past. They evolve — quietly, steadily, but seriously.

So… Who’s the “Best”?

That’s a loaded question. Depends on what you mean by “best.” Most combat-ready? Maybe the British, since their guards are active-duty soldiers.

Most loyal? The Swiss Guard takes vows directly to the Pope and swears to protect him with their lives. Most elite in terms of secrecy and royal proximity? Morocco’s guard plays that card.

But here’s the thing — every single one of these units plays a role bigger than just protection. They’re symbols. Living links to national identity, monarchy, faith, and history.

They’re also working professionals, balancing the weight of tradition with real-world threats. Which, if you think about it, might just be the most difficult job of all.

Final Thoughts

Royal guards tend to move quietly in the background. They’re not the headline-makers. They don’t go on TV or post on Instagram (well, usually). But they’re always there — a step behind, a few paces away, eyes always scanning the crowd.

And maybe that’s the real takeaway. Behind all the splendor and ceremony lies an ancient idea that still resonates today: someone watching, someone protecting, someone sworn to stand between power and danger—even if it means taking the hit themselves.

So the next time you see a guard in a brightly colored uniform or an impossibly tall hat, just remember: history runs deep. And beneath that crisp, polished surface? There’s steel.