The King's Guard has strict rules to abide by, including not speaking or smiling while on duty, but a British travel blog notes that the men are permitted to warn rule-breaking tourists. “One should never touch a member of the Queen's Guard,” according to Londontopia.
Never touch a guard
As London aficionados know by now, one should never touch a member of the Queen's Guard. If this is the case, they are actually allowed to shout warnings at you to make you go away. If people start acting aggressively, the soldiers can even present their bayonets to them.
Getting a photo with one of the royal guards is part of the tradition of visiting London but there are certain rules such as no touching, which some tourists often attempt to push it to the limit.
What Are The Queen's Guards Not Allowed To Do? The Queen's Guard is not permitted to leave their posts. A member of the National Guard typically spends two hours on duty and four hours off during the course of a shift. He is not expected to stand still for more than ten minutes at a time.
The Guard's intimidating weapons only have ammo in them when they are aware of a potential serious security threat. The guard on Reddit, who uses the username "nibs123," says that he has never carried a loaded gun as a Guardsman.
What happens if a queens guard needs the toilet? If a Queen's Guard needs the toilet, they must leave the area to use it. Royal Protocol does not allow for Guards to take toilet breaks while still on duty. Their primary role is to protect the Royal Family, so any request for a break is out of the question.
Guards are actively serving the Queen and must follow strict rules such as no laughing. Though some rumours suggest guards are fined if they are caught laughing while on duty, they do not have to cough up a hefty fine, according to reports online.
The first women to mount the King's Guard was Captain Cynthia Anderson of Australia's Federation Guard in 2000. She was also the first female to command a Queen's Guard detachment, having led an Australian Federation Guard unit during morning parade.
Laughing can be seen as a sign of disrespect or lack of focus and can be interpreted as a sign that the guard is not taking their job seriously. As a result, royal guards can lose their positions for laughing on duty, or face other serious repercussions.
If you assault the royal guard, you could face serious consequences. Depending on the country, the punishment could range from a fine and/or jail time, to the death penalty. It is important to remember that the royal guard is a position of high authority and any attack on them is taken extremely seriously.
No Toilet Break for the Dedicated Soldiers
The Queen's guards are so dedicated to their position that they can't even leave their post for a toilet break during their working shift.
The King's Guard has strict rules to abide by, including not speaking or smiling while on duty, but a British travel blog notes that the men are permitted to warn rule-breaking tourists. “One should never touch a member of the Queen's Guard,” according to Londontopia.
The pallbearers hail from the Queen's Company, the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. 'It's their role to protect her body, both in life and in death, remaining in the Queen's Company until King Charles decides otherwise,' explained Major Adrian Weale to the PA.
If you continue to interfere with his duties, he will “port arms” – point his rifle/bayonet at you. If you are one of those people that never get the message, he will detain you or press the button in his sentry box for assistance.
The guards do not just perform ceremonial duties at Buckingham Palace, they also take an active role in protecting their Sovereign. At night they patrol the grounds of both Buckingham Palace and St. James's Palace.
The first black man to join an elite regiment that guarded the late Queen says writing a book about his experiences was "a coping mechanism" for the racism he faced. Bristolian Richard Stokes joined the Grenadier Guards in 1986 after encouragement from his adoptive father.
Each Guard was outfitted with the best weapons, uniforms and horses available to keep the Swedish Royal Family safe. They were elite, loyal and obedient to the core, and their lives were expendable if it meant catching a bullet for the King.
Traditionally the Queen's Guards are not allowed to move. Typically, a Guardsman spends two hours on duty and four off. He is not expected to stand still for any more than ten minutes at a time. Every so often, he will march up and down in front of his sentry box, rather like a policeman "walking the beat".
The soldiers come from active regiments in the British Army, and any action deemed threatening, regardless of how minor, can cause them to react forcefully.
Outside of their duty to protect the royal residence, Royal Guards may also undertake various operational duties. This can include direct combat in war zones, depending on where the British Army is actively engaged.
They often are an elite unit of the regular armed forces, or are designated as such, and may maintain special rights or privileges.
Because this is their post to patrol. This is their space and they are trained to protect it and the Queen and ultimately the palace or castle they are on duty at. This does not mean go around the public, but walk through the public if they get in their way.
It was thought that the 19-inch tall caps would make soldiers look taller and more intimidating to their enemies. To commemorate their war victory, the hats were introduced to the soldiers guarding royal residences, where they continue to be used today.
Changing of The King's Guard takes place in front of Buckingham Palace at 10:45am and lasts for about 45 minutes. You should arrive early to get the best view. Soldiers gather at St James's Palace and Wellington Barracks from 10:00am and march to Buckingham Palace accompanied by music.
The first thing that will happen is the guard coming to attention and telling you to step back from the Queen's Guard. If this is ignored or should the person approach or threaten the guard then this is repeated.