Victorian 12th (Prince of Wales’s Royal) Lancers large 22mm brass button.

12th (Prince of Wales’s Royal) Lancers - Victorian Era
Title and Status
They held the “Prince of Wales’s Royal” designation, making them one of the more prestigious lancer regiments. The Prince of Wales connection gave them a certain social cachet within the cavalry.
Peninsular War Legacy
Although pre-Victorian, their Peninsular War battle honours under Wellington shaped their entire regimental identity throughout the Victorian period. Salamanca, Vittoria, and Toulouse were carried on their appointments with considerable pride.
Crimean War 1854-56
This was their defining Victorian campaign. They were present at the Battle of Balaclava in October 1854, which of course is famous for the Charge of the Light Brigade. The 12th Lancers were part of the Light Brigade and participated in that catastrophic but iconic charge. Of the roughly 670 men who rode, casualties were severe - the 12th suffered losses alongside the 17th Lancers, 8th Hussars, 4th Light Dragoons, and 13th Light Dragoons.
The Crimea generally was a bruising experience for the British cavalry - poor logistics, harsh winters, and disease killed more men than Russian guns.
Indian Service
Like most Victorian cavalry regiments they rotated through Indian postings, which brought exposure to frontier skirmishing and internal security duties, though the 12th did not have as prominent an Indian Mutiny role as the 9th Lancers you looked at earlier.
Second Boer War 1899-1902
Served in South Africa at the very end of Victoria’s reign, experiencing the frustrations of fighting a mobile guerrilla enemy that exposed the limitations of traditional cavalry tactics.
Regimental Character
The 12th were considered a well-appointed regiment - the Prince of Wales connection meant they attracted officers of means and social standing. Their scarlet lancers’ uniform with the characteristic czapka (lancer cap) made them visually distinctive on parade.