Meet the Queen's new equerry Major Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah
History has once again been made at Buckingham Palace! The Queen has chosen her next aide, and for the first time ever the person to hold the important role of equerry will be black.
In his new position, Ghanaian born Major Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah will support the Queen at royal events and engagements, including visits by state officials like Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to the palace. The equerry role lasts three years and will be particularly important as Prince Phillip follows through with his plan to retire from service this fall.
TAP FOR GALLERY Major Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah will support the Queen at royal events and engagements.
The 38-year-old is said to be delighted by the honour, though he has yet to issue a public statement about the post.
In a six-year-old video that's been circulating of the Afghanistan war veteran, the dapper soldier speaks candidly about taking part in the Trooping the Colour parade and his love of his service to the royal family.
CANADIAN FEMALE OFFICER MAKES HISTORY AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE
"As a young child, watching her Majesty the Queen's birthday parade on the television ... I would have never ever imagined that one day I'd command the regiment which I'd fallen in love with on that day," he noted adding he's proud of how tradition and culture mix in the U.K. "From what I've seen... our cultures really do mix and if I'm not a good example of that I really don't know what is."
Prince Philip is set to retire from royal duty later this year.
Nana previously made royal history by being the first black army officer hired to work in the royal family's Household Cavalry. He also acted as escort commander for the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011.
Though he was born in Ghana, the father of two has been in the U.K. since 1982.
This is the second time this summer that history was made within the monarchy. In early July, Canadian Capt. Megan Couto became the first female infantry officer to lead soldiers through the changing of the guard ceremony.
The troops were asked to serve as the Queen’s guard, The Guardian notes, in honour of Canada’s 150th birthday on July 1.
Ahead of the march, Megan told reporters she was excited about her history making role. “I’m just focusing on doing my job as best I can and staying humble,” said the 24-year-old. “Any of my peers would be absolutely delighted to be captain of the Queen’s guard and I’m equally honoured.”
