When Captain Megan Couto calls out her oh-so-familiar drill commands on Monday morning, she will make history.

At 24 years old and five foot two-and-a half tall, she will become the first woman in the infrantry to command the Queen’s Guard in its 180 years at Buckingham Palace.

Captain Couto, who serves with the Second Battalion, Princess Patricia’s Canadian Light Infantry (2PPCLI), will be the face of equality in the armed forces: taking on responsibility for the ceremonial Changing of the Guards before any British woman has even been allowed into the infantry.

The 24-year-old Canadian said she was grateful and honoured to be given the “huge privilege” - and hopes not to lose her voice in the era-defining moment.