The National Guards Unit originates from the Life Guards of Prince Alexander I Batten berg, instituted in 1879. The first official escort of a Bulgarian monarch was performed on 12 July 1879. To commemorate this occasion, 12 July is marked as the official holiday of the National Guards Unit. Since its establishment, the Guards unit has been transformed from an escort of the Prince to a squadron, then to a regiment and, after 1942, to a battalion. At present it includes guard-of-honour elements and a ceremonial brass band.

In 2001 the National Guards Unit was endorsed as a representative military formation of the Bulgarian Armed Forces and is one of the symbols of state power, along with the national flag, coat of arms and anthem.

No other military structure is more directly engaged, through performance of its principal functions, in the spiritual aspects of the national cause outlined in the National Security Concept and the Military Doctrine of the Republic of Bulgaria. The mission of the National Guards Unit is not only to demonstrate the customs and ceremonies of the service but also to act as a focal point of their revival and augmentation for the sake of the preservation and assertion of national identity.

The ISKRA ceremonial show was presented to the Bulgarian public for the first time on the eve of the Day of Valour and of the Bulgarian Armed Forces, 6 May 2003. The show combines in a thrilling and unique way an effective execution of non-standard drill rests and foot movements with and without arms and saluting the colours and the heroes who laid their lives for the freedom and independence of Bulgaria.

The ceremonial change of the guard of honour in front of the Administration of the President was performed for the first time on 5 November 2003. It asserted yet again the impressive vision and skills of the guardsmen and set the beginning of a new tradition.

The National Guards Unit has its own organization colour, seal, distinctive insignia and uniform.

The guards uniform was designed in 1883 and incorporates elements of the national symbols. Ever since, the uniform has invariably included an eagle feather and the St Alexander Star as a device of the fur headgear. The Alexander Star is a scale replica of the Breast Star of the Bulgarian Royal Order of St Alexander, instituted in 1883.

An identification badge for the National Guards Unit servicemen, designed in 2002, combines the Alexander Star and the new national symbols.

The National Guards Unit received its principal service symbol, its organization colour, on 12 July 2003. The colour was presented personally by the incumbent President of the Republic.

Symbols of state power