This is Why You Never Mess With a Royal Guard...

Visitors to London are often delighted to see the iconic Queen's Guard standing motionless in their redcoats in front of Buckingham Palace. While these guards are famous for not moving an inch, even when tourists decide to mess with them, don't let that fool you into thinking they're lazy or slow. In fact, the Queen's Guards are actually one of the most elite, highly trained, and secretive soldiers in the entire world. Let's take a closer look at the fascinating and little-known facts about these formidable protectors of the English Crown.

The Royal Bodyguards

The Royal Guard is an ancient order of England's most trustworthy, dedicated, and highly trained soldiers sworn to protect the British monarch at all costs. Serving under Queen Elizabeth II, the longest-reigning monarch in England's history, the Queen's Guards have been diligently carrying out their duty since 1952, spanning over 10 generations of guardsmen. However, their history dates back even further, to at least 1660.

Elitism and Battle-Hardened Soldiers

During times of war and revolt, the Royal Guard were seen as the most fearsome warriors, making attacks on the king or queen unlikely and ridiculously risky for any would-be assassins. Even today, the standards for the Queen's Guard have only become stricter with time. Only the highest-performing officers and military personnel are even considered for this prestigious position. Guardsmen must meet a number of taxing physical, mental, and experiential conditions to qualify for the Queen's Guard duty.

Secrets and Mystery

The practices and duties of these elite bear skin-clad guards are some of the most tightly kept secrets the English Crown holds. While visitors often perceive them as tourist attractions, their role goes far beyond that. These guards are battle-hardened soldiers, ready to protect the royal family at any cost.

The Sacred Oath and Consequences

The guards are famous for their unyielding demeanor, standing motionless and expressionless for hours on end. Even though tourists try their best to make them react or break their composure, the guards must refrain from any response unless physically touched or violently threatened. The sacred oath taken by guardsmen is insanely restrictive, and any transgression, even something as simple as smiling, can lead to imprisonment in a military prison. Thus, one should never take the risk of messing with a Royal Guard.

Never Cross the Line

While the guards may seem like mere fixtures outside the palace, they are, in fact, battle-hardened soldiers who will not hesitate to take action if provoked. Engaging or interfering with their duty is not only disrespectful but also dangerous. Underestimating their commitment to protecting the monarchy is a one-way ticket to serious consequences, possibly even a trip to the emergency room.

The Price of Duty

The Royal Guard's uniform is more than a symbol of tradition and pomp; it is a testament to the strength and endurance required for the role. Their heavy coats and iconic bear skin hats can weigh up to 13 pounds, and guards must hold them up with some of the strongest necks in the world. Additionally, standing still in their uniforms for extended periods, especially during the summer heat, can lead to guards fainting from heatstroke. However, even in unconsciousness, they maintain their perfect posture, staying true to their duty.

Fainting to Attention

Fainting at attention is not a rare occurrence; in fact, multiple guards faint every year due to the combination of heavy clothing, sweltering heat, and prolonged standing without breaks. Guards are trained to remain standing even after blacking out. This phenomenon has become a rite of passage for new guards, and their ability to bounce back quickly and continue their watch is highly admired. They are even rewarded with a night at the pub, where they are celebrated for their resilience.

Keywords

Royal Guard, Buckingham Palace, elite soldiers, highly trained, secretive, protectors, battle-hardened, sacred oath, imprisonment, bear skin hats, fainting to attention, tradition, strength, endurance, respect, danger, commitment, emergency room, uniforms, heatstroke, perfect posture, rite of passage.

FAQ

Q: Are the Queen's Guards just ceremonial, or do they have combat experience? The Queen's Guards are highly skilled soldiers with extensive combat experience. They have a long history of being feared warriors and have played significant roles in England's military victories.

Q: Are the guards allowed to smile or react to tourists? No, the guards are required to maintain a stoic and unresponsive demeanor. Smiling or reacting to tourists can result in serious consequences, including imprisonment.

Q: What happens if someone tries to touch or assault a Royal Guard? Attempting to touch or assault a Royal Guard is met with explosive force. Guards are trained to defend themselves and will take down anyone who threatens or harms them.

Q: Do guards have any opportunities for breaks or bathroom visits during their duty? Guards are expected to stand at their post without breaks or bathroom visits. They hold their positions for hours at a time and will not abandon their duty under any circumstances. Any breach of duty, including a bathroom break, can result in imprisonment.

Q: Are the guard's uniforms uncomfortable to wear? The guard's uniforms, including their heavy coats and bear skin hats, can be physically challenging to wear for extended periods. The weight and the elements, such as rain, add to the discomfort, but the guards endure it without complaint as part of their commitment to the role.