The regiment was raised by Sir John Lanier in 1685 as the 2nd Queen's Regiment of Horse, named in honour of Queen Mary, consort of King James II. It was renamed the 2nd King's Own Regiment of Horse in 1714 in honour of George I. The regiment attained the title 1st King's Dragoon Guards in 1751.
In 1685, Sir John Lanier raised the regiment, initially naming it the 2nd Queen's Regiment of Horse in honor of Queen Mary, consort of King James II. In 1714, it was renamed the 2nd King's Own Regiment of Horse to commemorate George I. The regiment changed its title to 1st King's Dragoon Guards in 1751.