24-year-old becomes first woman captain at Buckingham Palace

London: Megan Couto on Monday became the first female officer to command the troops protecting Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace, as a Canadian battalion took over guard duties.

Captain Couto, 24, has been given the prestigious role of Captain of The Queen's Guard, responsible for guarding the London palace.

Based in the central province of Manitoba, The Second Battalion, Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry has been invited to Britain to mark the 150th anniversary of the founding of modern Canada.

Queen Elizabeth is the head of state of Britain, Canada and 14 other realms including Australia, Jamaica and New Zealand. Born in 1886, Princess Patricia was a daughter of Prince Arthur, the third son of Queen Victoria. He served as the governor-general of Canada, the monarch's representative there.

"I'm just focusing on doing my job as best I can and staying humble. Any of my peers would be absolutely delighted to be Captain of The Queen's Guard and I'm equally honoured," she said.

Carrying her sword and wearing a scarlet tunic and white hat, Couto marched her troops to Buckingham Palace from the nearby Wellington Barracks in the historic and colourful ceremony.

The changing of the guard, conducted on four days a week, draws thousands of tourists to Buckingham Palace and Monday was no exception, with large crowds outside the gates in the summer sunshine.

"I'm not feeling too nervous," Couto said beforehand. "We've practised enough and all the guys have been through their paces -- I've just to focus on saying the right commands." Elite soldiers have protected the monarch since King Henry VII established the Sovereign's Bodyguard in 1509.