The uThulwana regiment, formed in 1854 contained many men of high status including King Cetshwayo. This was reflected in their lavish uniform, with a headdress of a single crane feather, isakabuli feathers on each side of the head and ostrich plumes. Shields were white with small marks of red or black.

During the 1879 Zulu Wars, part of the regiment actually joined the British attack on the home of another Zulu regiment's commander. Another part joined the British for a while during the invasion of Zululand. The remainder served the King loyally in the battles of Isandhlwana, Rorke's Drift, Gingindlovu, and Ulundi.