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Membership of the Company is drawn from the security industry in its widest sense and includes leading security professionals from the industrial and retail sectors, serving and retired members of the police and armed services, security consultants, academics, heads of security for corporate businesses, investigators, and electronic surveillance companies.

Ceremony of the Keys: WCoSP visit to HM Tower of London

26th September 2025
Events, News

On Friday 26 September 2025, fifty Members and guests gathered at the Tower of London for an after-hours tour and the Ceremony of the Keys. We were welcomed by Yeoman Warder Emma Roussell, who led the group in through Byward Tower, since the West Entrance through Middle Tower was under repair. The route took us along Water Lane to Traitors’ Gate, then on through the Inner Ward before reaching The Keys, the Yeoman Warders’ Club, for a convivial first stop. Several rounds later, a raffle added to the good humour. A stroll to see the ravens produced a moment none of us will forget, when one of our party proposed. She said yes, to warm applause.

As the clock neared ten, we formed up to witness the Ceremony itself. This centuries-old ritual begins at exactly seven minutes to ten when the Chief Yeoman Warder emerges from Byward Tower, watch coat and Tudor bonnet in place, carrying a candle-lit lantern in one hand and the King’s Keys in the other. An escort of soldiers forms by the Bloody Tower. Together they proceed to secure the outer and inner gates, with the Tower’s Watchman assisting while the escort stands guard.

At the Broadwalk Steps the party is halted and challenged by the sentry. The traditional exchange follows: “Halt, who comes there?” “The Keys.” “Whose keys?” “King Charles’s Keys.” “Pass then, all’s well.” As the clock strikes ten, the Chief Yeoman Warder raises his bonnet and proclaims, “God preserve King Charles,” the guard answers “Amen,” and the bugler sounds the Last Post. The keys are then carried to the King’s House and the guard is dismissed, bringing the formalities to a close.

There was one brief wobble during the march when a member of the military escort stumbled. It was handled quietly and professionally, and the escort continued without fuss, despite later reports of a broken finger.

After the Last Post, we heard a few appreciative words from the Master, Sue Jones, and from Immediate Past Master, Russell Penny. We then returned to The Keys for a final round of drinks to round off a memorable night.

Our thanks to Yeoman Warder Emma Roussell for a superb tour and to Tony Edwards for organising on behalf of the Company.