Meet the first black person to be appointed as the new equerry to the Queen of England

Meet Twumasi-Ankrah, the first black person appointed as the new equerry to the Queen of England by the British royal family. With Prince Philip stepping down from his royal duties in the autumn, the Queen needs someone new to help her during public engagements.   

And now that the Queen has handpicked her next equerry, one of the most important roles in the royal household, he's likely to be the one by the Queen's side.  

Newly appointed Mayor Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah's role will include attending to the Queen in public, assisting her during official engagements and welcoming high-profile guests to royal residences.

He's expected to begin the role later in the year, with the timing meaning that he's tipped to become the most visible man by the Queen's side during her public appearances.  

The Afghanistan war veteran was born in Ghana and moved to the UK in 1982. He studied at Queen Mary University of London and the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst before joining the Blues and Royals. He then became the first black British Army officer to be commissioned into the Household Cavalry.

Mayor Nana Kofi Twumasi-Ankrah was personally selected by the Queen to be her new equerry

Twumasi-Ankrah, who is known as TA to his friends, is thought to be the first black equerry appointed by the royal family.

Buckingham Palace in May this year, announced that Prince Philip would step down from public duties.

The 95-year-old will carry out previously arranged engagements but will not take on any others.