Former paratrooper Lee Fox becomes youngest Yeoman Warder in nearly two centuries at Tower of London

Lee Fox, a 40-year-old former Parachute Regiment sergeant major, makes history as the youngest Yeoman Warder at the Tower of London, blending military discipline with centuries-old ceremonial duties.

Lee Fox has made history by becoming the first former paratrooper to serve as a Yeoman Warder, or “Beefeater,” at the Tower of London. At 40 years old, Fox, originally from Grimsby, has not only achieved a long-held personal ambition but also distinguished himself as the youngest among the Tower’s celebrated 35 Beefeaters and potentially one of the youngest in nearly two centuries to hold the position. His appointment marks a notable milestone in the centuries-old tradition, as these ceremonial guardians have typically come from various branches of the armed forces but never before from the Parachute Regiment.

Fox’s transition from military life to the iconic role was swift and profound, moving from his barracks into the Tower of London within just three weeks. Having served for 23 years in the British Army as a sergeant major in the Parachute Regiment, he participated in operational tours in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Northern Ireland. His military career equipped him with the discipline and experience required to uphold the demanding standards of the Yeoman Warders, who must have completed at least 22 years of service, attained a warrant officer rank or equivalent, and earned the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

The role of Yeoman Warder is steeped in history, dating back to 1485, and involves a combination of ceremonial duties and leading guided tours across the Tower’s historic grounds. Fox expressed particular enthusiasm for interacting with the public, describing it as a profound joy to engage with visitors from around the world and especially with children. “My favourite part is absolutely the interaction with the public. You hear so many interesting stories, and that interaction is perfect,” he said. His dedication to the role is evident as he strives to memorise the entire 8,000-word tour script, even listening to recordings of himself while jogging, despite the challenge it presents.

Fox also embodies the deep respect and remembrance often associated with Beefeaters, as seen in his commitment to wearing a poppy throughout the year in honour of fallen comrades, a gesture that extends beyond the traditional Remembrance Sunday. He carries with him the spirit of camaraderie and mental health advocacy, openly acknowledging his own challenges and the importance of support networks for veterans.

His military service is quietly honoured on his Tudor bonnet, where badges commemorate his time in the Parachute Regiment and his affiliation with veterans’ support organisations. This personal touch highlights the connection between the Beefeater tradition and the ongoing contributions of those who have served in the British Armed Forces.

Fox’s appointment follows other notable recent inclusions to the Yeoman Warders, such as the sixth female Beefeater in over 500 years, a former RAF air traffic controller, and the second sailor from the Royal Navy to don the iconic black and red uniform. Such appointments underline the evolving nature of the Yeoman Warders, reflecting the diversity and broad service backgrounds of modern military veterans.

For Lee Fox, the role is not only a prestigious continuation of service but also a deeply personal journey from the arduous demands of military life to the honour of living and working in one of London’s most historic landmarks. He describes living at the Tower as “my absolute best life,” expressing daily gratitude for the opportunity and the legacy he now embodies.

📌 Reference Map:

• ^[1] (MyLondon) – Paragraphs 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11
• ^[2] (Historic Royal Palaces) – Paragraph 2, 3, 4
• ^[3] (Forces News) – Paragraph 2, 3, 4
• ^[5] (ITV News) – Paragraph 6
• ^[6] (Gov.uk) – Paragraph 6

Source: Noah Wire Services

Noah Fact Check Pro

The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.

Freshness check

Score:
9

Notes:
The narrative is recent, with the earliest known publication date being October 7, 2025. It has been republished across multiple reputable outlets, including Historic Royal Palaces ([hrp.org.uk](https://www.hrp.org.uk/media-and-press/press-releases-2025/new-beefeater-parachutes-into-historic-role-at-the-tower-of-london/?utm_source=openai)) and Forces News ([forcesnews.com](https://www.forcesnews.com/services/army/tower-london-welcomes-first-parachute-regiment-veteran-yeoman-warder?utm_source=openai)). The report is based on a press release from Historic Royal Palaces, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The content appears original and not recycled from older material. No earlier versions show different figures, dates, or quotes. The article includes updated data and does not recycle older material.

Quotes check

Score:
10

Notes:
Direct quotes from Lee Fox, such as “My favourite part is absolutely the interaction with the public,” are unique to this report. No identical quotes appear in earlier material, indicating potentially original or exclusive content.

Source reliability

Score:
10

Notes:
The narrative originates from reputable organisations, including Historic Royal Palaces ([hrp.org.uk](https://www.hrp.org.uk/media-and-press/press-releases-2025/new-beefeater-parachutes-into-historic-role-at-the-tower-of-london/?utm_source=openai)) and Forces News ([forcesnews.com](https://www.forcesnews.com/services/army/tower-london-welcomes-first-parachute-regiment-veteran-yeoman-warder?utm_source=openai)), lending credibility to the information presented.

Plausability check

Score:
10

Notes:
The claims about Lee Fox’s appointment as the first Parachute Regiment veteran to become a Yeoman Warder are corroborated by multiple reputable sources. The narrative includes specific factual anchors, such as names, institutions, and dates, enhancing its credibility. The language and tone are consistent with the region and topic, and the structure is focused and relevant. The tone is formal and appropriate for the subject matter.

Overall assessment

Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS

Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH

Summary:
The narrative is recent, original, and corroborated by multiple reputable sources. Direct quotes are unique, and the information is consistent and plausible. No significant credibility risks were identified.