Buckingham Palace suspends Changing the Guard after warnings | Royal | News
Traditional Changing of the Guard ceremonies outside Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle have been suspended this week as a heatwave grips the country. The ceremony, attended by soldiers dressed in heavy, thick military uniforms, large bearskin hats, and military workhorses, was postponed because temperatures were predicted to rise to almost 40 °C.
The Household Division said there would be no ceremonial changing of the guard on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday due to scorching temperatures. This, they said, was to ensure the safety of staff and animals, as well as members of the public who often gathered in droves to watch the ceremony.
The following statements were made in the statement: “Due to the extreme temperatures expected this week across the country, daily Ceremonial Operations will be slightly modified to take into account the hot weather.
“We take the health of our soldiers and military working horses very seriously and, like the rest of the country, are aware of the extreme temperatures expected this week, including a RED alert towards midweek.
“The Met Office and other Government agencies have issued detailed advice and recommended reducing outdoor travel and activities.
“This week will see some changes to support this effort and reduce risks to military personnel and horses, but more importantly to the public who often gather in large numbers to watch these events.
“There will be no ceremonial changing of the guard in Windsor and London on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. The King’s Lifeguard (horse guards) will change unceremoniously at 8am on Wednesday to prevent horses from being affected by the heat.
“When soldiers are on guard duty, the public may notice that they are moved into shadow positions and changed more frequently. This is normal practice in hot weather.
“We know this is a busy time of year for visitors to view Ceremonial Operations at each of the various locations. While it is disappointing not to experience Ceremonial Operations to the fullest, it is important that the welfare of the public, our soldiers and military working horses is protected at all times.”
