Sergeant Major Edwards had acted as Drilling Sergeant to the Prince of Wales and Prince Alfred since 1852. After distinguished service in the Crimean War, which gained him the French Military Medal, he took part in the triumphant march of the Guards Regiments to Buckingham Palace on 9 July 1856, watched by the Queen and Royal Family. According to Queen Victoria's journal, 'Sergeant Edwards marched proudly at the head of the Regt., carrying a bouquet of roses.' He later became drilling sergeant to the younger royal children.