Lee Fox has made history as the first former paratrooper to become a Beefeater at the Tower of London – and he’s been sharing his experiences since moving into the iconic fortress
In a remarkable transition spanning just three weeks, Lee Fox exchanged military barracks for the Tower of London, creating history in the process. The Grimsby native has become the first ex-paratrooper to take on the role of Beefeater – a position as quintessentially London as Buckingham Palace, the Changing of the Guard and the Houses of Parliament. A paratrooper is a soldier trained to parachute from an aircraft into a combat zone or area of operations.
Two months have passed since Lee, formally known as Yeoman Warder Fox, relocated to one of the capital’s most prestigious addresses and embarked on fulfilling a long-held ambition. At 40, he stands as the youngest among the Tower of London’s 35 Beefeaters and potentially one of the youngest appointees in nearly two centuries.
“My children, they absolutely love it,” Lee says proudly. “My favourite part is absolutely the interaction with the public. You’ve got people from all over the world and you hear so many interesting stories, and that interaction is perfect.
“The interaction with the children as well, that’s a really big one.”, reports the Express. “I absolutely idolise the Crown Jewels but it’s that interaction and I feel like being able to provide that’s a really cool part of the job.”
He added: “I’ve never learnt this much since I was in basic training… although this time I’m not getting screamed and shouted at!” It’s the complete opposite; everyone’s really supportive. It’s that community and camaraderie, that’s what I’m here for and that’s what makes it really special.”
Taking on the position of Yeoman Warder represents just one of numerous career paths available to military veterans following their departure from service. All Beefeaters are former Armed Forces personnel and must have served for a minimum of 22 years, attained the rank of Warrant Officer or equivalent and been awarded the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.
Lee, who enlisted in the British Army’s Parachute Regiment aged 17 and completed operational tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, said he only discovered the opportunity after watching a television documentary by chance.
“I knew for at least the last six years of my career, this was something I’ve always wanted to do. I didn’t tell too many people about it, obviously, a few people knew, but it was always that pull of just wanting to be the first [paratrooper] as well. I thought that was quite cool.”
As we stroll around the tower’s pristine grounds, we pause on the South Lawn to photograph Lee before a poignant poppy installation, which has been displayed since May to commemorate the conclusion of the Second World War.
Lee says he wears a poppy “in some way, shape or form” year-round to honour those he’s lost.
“It’s not just for remembrance for me, I’ve absolutely no doubt I’m not the only one that does that as well.”
The ex-sergeant major is a prominent and deeply respected figure within military circles and continues to be an integral member of the community.
On the interior of his Beefeater Tudor Bonnet, concealed from the thousands of daily tourists who pass through the Tower of London, are badges commemorating his military service and a veterans support organisation he belongs to. Lee – who has been open about his own mental health challenges – emphasised the vital importance of speaking up and supporting those who may need help, particularly during remembrance periods.
“I went from almost not being here to now living my absolute best life here at the Tower London, so without that help, I could not have been here, and I certainly wouldn’t have been in the position that I’m in today, which is absolutely massive.
“To be able to give this to not just my friends but my children who come here and visit… It’s unreal and I’m grateful every single day.”
For the time being, Lee’s priority is mastering the role of a Beefeater and committing the complete 8,000-word Yeoman Warder tour script to memory.
Getting it word-perfect will require months of dedication, with Lee working tirelessly to learn it, even listening to recordings of himself reciting it whilst out jogging.
“It’s not quite a podcast or some sort of dance music that’s going to motivate you to get through,” he laughs.
However, following 23 years serving in a regiment whose motto means ‘Ready for Anything,’ Lee is certain to meet the challenge head-on.
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