The first female beefeater* at the Tower of London, whose appointment overturned* more than 500 years of tradition, smiled broadly as she met her new colleagues Monday.

Moira Cameron, 42, beat five men to the prestigious* position and became the first woman ever appointed* to the famous ceremonial guard.

Yeomen* warders*, or beefeaters, are a familiar sight to tourists in their red and gold uniforms*. They guard the landmark* tower and the British crown jewels within, but also act as tour guides and are an attraction in their own right.

Beefeaters live at the tower, which was founded in the 11th century.

The beefeater nickname is thought to date back to the days when the yeoman warders were given a daily ration* of meat.(SD-Agencies)