The 3rd Hussars, raised in 1685, was styled the "Queen Consort's Regiment of Dragoons." On the accession of George I it was called the "King's Own Dragoons." In 1861 the regiment became "Hussars." It was nicknamed "Lord Adam Gordon's Life Guards," from that officer detaining it for such a long period in Scotland when he commanded there.

It was also known as "Bland's Dragoons." At Dettingen the regiment lost very heavily, and in the following year it was reviewed by the King, who remarked with some asperity on its attenuated appearance, and inquired whose regiment it was, and where were the rest of the men. "The regiment is mine, your Majesty," replied the gallant Col. Bland, "and I believe the rest are at Dettingen."