[Excerpt of Full Description, taken from the ASoIaF semi-official website]
Also known poetically as the White Swords or white cloaks, they are the royal bodyguards of the Iron Throne. Alternatively, if there is a Queen (regnant), they'd be called "Queensguard".
The Kingsguard was founded during the reign of the first Targaryen king on the Iron Throne, Aegon the Conqueror. The first Kingsguard was created at the suggestion of Aegon's sister-wife, Queen Visenya Targaryen, after a Dornish assassination attempt on their lives in the streets of King's Landing in 10 AC. She deliberately modeled the Kingsguard vows of holding no lands or title on the ancient vows of the Night's Watch, and seven knights were chosen because the king ruled the Seven Kingdoms.
Levels
- "Kingsguard or Queensguard": One of the seven other Kingsguard or Queensguard, you are one of those regarded as the finest knights in the Seven Kingdoms and are sworn to protect your monarch and their family with your own life, to obey their commands, and to keep their secrets.
- “Lord Commander”: You are the person who holds this title as the most senior sworn knight of the Kingsguard. You a member of the small counciland were appointed by the monarch, with your seniority and ability having been factors in the selection.