In a First In British History, The Queen Selects A Ghanaian-born Equerry

Major Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah has been chosen as the equerry, the first ever Ghanaian-born equerry in British History, by Queen Elizabeth. It is one of the most important roles in the royal household and he will be required to support the monarch at official engagements such as regional visits and audiences at the Buckingham Palace.

The Times said Maj Twumasi-Ankrah, a 38-year-old Afghanistan veteran known as TA to his friends, moved to the UK from Ghana with his parents in 1982 and studied at Queen Mary University of London and the Royal Military Academy at Sandhurst.

The Independent reported, that historically, the role was created for someone to look after the cavalry horses, but in modern times an equerry is expected to be publicly visible as an aide at the Queen’s side.

"Major Twumasi-Ankrah was handpicked by The Queen and had previously served in Afghanistan. He also served as escort commander at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in 2011," reported the Royal Central.

Major Twumasi-Ankrah will replace Wing Commander Sam Fletcher as equerry later this year. He will be one of the most visible men by the Queen's side since the Duke of Edinburgh will be retiring from his official duties in the autumn.

The appointment of Major Twumasi-Ankrah is of significance following the past allegations of Elizabeth Burgess, a former personal secretary to the Prince of Wales, of racial discrimination in the royal household. She alleged that other staff members would often discriminate against her because of her race. “There were always black jokes and names going round because it is the royal family and it is still very protected,” she told a tribunal.

However,  the appointment of the Major as the first Ghanaian-born equerry is a step towards inclusion and dispelling racial biases in the English community. He told The Times, “As a young child, watching her Majesty, the Queen’s birthday parade on television, I would have never imagined that one day I’d command the regiment which I’d fallen in love with. From what I’ve seen in the UK, our cultures really do mix and if I’m not a good example of that I really don’t know what is.”

Pic Credit: Global News

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Jagriti is an intern with SheThePeople.TV