Gurkhas prepare for 200th anniversary celebrations

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Gurkha's stand to attention as they prepare for the celebrations to mark 200 years of their unit's service Credit: ITV

Gurkha soldiers have been preparing to celebrate the 200th anniversary of the brigade's British military service today ahead of a special pageant in their honour.

Members of the specialist brigade, whose fighters are recruited from Nepal, will take part in battle re-enactments and musical performances tonight as the Queen leads guests in paying tribute to the soldiers at the Gurkha 200 Pageant.

ITV News Correspondent Paul Davies reports:

For Warrant Officer Anil Gurung, a fifth generation Gurkha, the celebrations are particularly poignant.

He said: "The history of Gurkhas with the British army starts from 1815 but my great-great-great-granddad was in the British-Indian army in 1850 and it has carried on ever since.

"I'm very proud, and it's great to say, that I'm the fifth generation Gurkha today."

Described by British officials in the 19th century as a 'martial race' who showed immense self-sufficiency and physical strength the Gurkhas have fought alongside British troops in various battles including in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Tributes are expected to be paid to years of Gurkha courage and loyalty as the Queen joins Princes William and Harry to meet serving members and veterans of the unit at the bicentennial event at the Royal Hospital Chelsea.