Red Guard or Emperor's Royal Guard

Upon his appointment as Chancellor, Palpatine made the decision to form the Red Guard, which took over responsibility for the Chancellor's security. The Red Guard, nicknamed Redrobes, was chosen from the ranks of the Senate Guard and were charged with the protection of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine prior to and during the Clone Wars.

Following the abolition of the Republic, the Red Guard became the new Emperor's Royal Guard; however, their appearance and equipment changed little. The armor of the Royal Guard reflected the armor of the Mandalorian Death Watch and the Thyrsus Sun Guards. It consisted of plated crimson armor of an unknown composition, overlaid with voluminous robes, presumably to conceal weaponry. The Red Guard primarily used a meter long force pike. [source: wookipedia]

Released by Hasbro in 1998, this 1/6 scale 12-inch Royal Guard came with an electronic Emperor Palpatine as a two-pack. Up close, you can make out the face inside the red helmet.

Kubrick also released the Royal Guard as well




Just like the Household Cavalry of the United Kingdom, the Life Guards wore red tunics while the Blues & Royals wore blue. You don't have to be original to be brilliant, just where to find your inspiration and ideas, and then make them your own. Just like Bill Gates kept the rights to his Microsoft OS, George Lucas made Merchandising what it is today.