There are now three equerries to the Sovereign of the United Kingdom , and a larger number of extra equerries - usually retired officers with some connection to the Royal Household . The extra equerries are rarely if ever required for duty, but the Equerries are in attendance on the Sovereign on a daily basis. For some years the senior equerry has also held the position of Deputy Master Of The Household . The permanent equerry is an officer of Major rank or equivalent, recruited from the three armed services in turn. Many previous equerries have gone on to reach high rank. The temporary equerry is a Captain of the Coldstream Guards , who provides part-time attendance. When not required for duty he has additional regimental or staff duties. Senior members of the Royal Family also have one or two equerries.
