The Queen will head a list of royal guests tonight at an event marking two centuries of unbroken Gurkha service to the crown.
Three generations of the royal family are expected to be represented at the Gurkha 200 Pageant at the Royal Hospital Chelsea, with the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince of Wales and Prince Harry also due to meet serving Gurkhas and veterans.
The event is being held to mark the dedication of the Gurkhas, who have fought alongside British armed forces to earn battle honours from Gallipoli in the First World War to more recent action in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The fighting men, recruited from the rugged Himalayan country of Nepal, have a reputation as hard and loyal fighters, and are known for the trademark curved blades they carry on their belts.
The bicentenary celebrations will also include battle re-enactments and musical performances by the Band of the Brigade of Gurkhas.