[3] The office is held jointly by the Colonels of the Life Guards and the Blues and Royals, the two regiments of the Household Cavalry.On these occasions, Gold Stick conveys the Sovereign's orders to the Household Cavalry.The office was created in 1678,[8] and until 1950 was held by the lieutenant-colonels in command of the Household Cavalry regiments, serving by monthly rotation.Through the authority of the Gold Stick he has the detail of regiments and individuals to carry out royal duties.There are separate Gold and Silver Sticks in Scotland, who are the senior officers of the Sovereign's Bodyguard of the Royal Company of Archers.
Lieutenant General Sir
Edward Smyth-Osbourne
, the Regimental Colonel of the Life Guards and Gold Stick-in-Waiting during the Coronation Procession of Charles III