Coming from the Emperor’s Staircase the visitor entered this room in which the Trabanten lifeguards kept watch night and day. They were responsible for the security of the imperial family and the maintaining of law and order. During the reign of Emperor Franz Joseph the Emperor's Staircase was the official access to Franz Joseph's apartments there were a total of five guards that belonged to the monarch’s military household.
These comprised two guards of officers, the Arcieren Life Guards, the Royal Hungarian Life Guards, who escorted the state coaches on horseback, the Mounted Squadron Life Guards, who were part of the army, and two foot guards, the Trabanten Life Guards and the Infantry Company Life Guards. The guards were mostly accommodated in their own quarters and had to march to the Hofburg to take up their duties. They did however wear a special uniform of legendary magnificence when on duty at court.