The second battalion of the Wiltshire Regiment (formerly the 99th Regiment of Foot) brought its own nicknames with them when the regiments were amalgamated in 1881. During its time as a separate regiment, the 99th Foot was known for the smartness of its drill. This earned it an assignment guarding Queen Victoria's pavilion during a tour of duty at Osbourne House, Isle of Wight in 1858. As a result, the 99th became known as the "Queen's Pets". It is also said that the expression "dressed to the nines" originated as a reference to the 99th. As part of their drill, their uniforms were kept in immaculate condition, which other regiments attempted to emulate, or dressing to the nines.