A self-confessed "country boy" is getting used to life in the big smoke after landing his dream job – as a Beefeater.
Former soldier Matthew Pryme, from Fleckney, is the latest person to wear the iconic uniform of the Yeoman Warders at the Tower of London.
As well as guarding the Crown Jewels, his face will beam out at millions of tourists visiting the famous attraction.
The 46-year-old described his duties as part Queen's bodyguard, part historian and part tour guide.
He said: "It's an exciting and historic role.
"It's always been an ambition of mine to become a Beefeater and I'm delighted to have been successful in my application."
Matt stepped into his post at Her Majesty's Royal Palace and Fortress, as the Tower of London is officially known, having served 25 years in the Army.
He said patrolling the Bloody Tower and guiding visitors around was "quite different" to his 23 years with the Royal Corps of Signals, having joined the Army two years earlier as a fresh-faced teenager.
"It's been fantastic meeting the different visitors to the tower and astounding them with tales of the tower's unique past," he said.
"I'm proud and honoured to be appointed to such a unique and prestigious role.
"I undertook public duties at the tower in 1987 and ever since then it has always been an ambition to achieve the title of Yeoman Warder at the tower."
Matt, who was stationed in Germany, Italy and Cyprus with the Signals and also spent five years as a civilian providing communications support for Nato in Afghanistan, said he was slowly getting used to life as a Londoner.
"As a country boy from Leicestershire it's a real eye opener, but I love it," he said.
He is living with his two teenage sons, Thomas and George, near St Katherine's Docks, by the River Thames.
Once he has completed his training, he will take up residence in the tower itself within the 37-stong Yeoman Warder community, including the Chief Yeoman Warder and Yeoman Gaoler.
The Yeoman Warders, commonly known as Beefeaters, are descended from the ancient band of warders who, from early in the tower's history, had the responsibility for guarding the gates and royal prisoners.
Modern Yeoman Warders are still extraordinary members of the Queen's bodyguard and are all former warrant officers from Her Majesty's Forces with an honourable service record of at least 22 years.
A spokeswoman for the Tower of London said: "They combine their traditional ceremonial role with a love of history and a way with words to make the past come to life for visitors – a noble tradition which Matthew Pryme is eager to become a part of.
"Over the next few months, Yeoman Warder Pryme will learn by heart the script of the famous Yeoman Warder Tour before being allowed to lead a tour himself.
"He will also become familiar with each of the 21 separate duties that the Yeoman Warders conduct each and every day."
