The traditional Changing of the Guard ceremonies at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle have been suspended for several days this week as the Household Division implements measures to protect soldiers, military working horses and members of the public during the forecast heatwave.
In a statement issued ahead of the week beginning 22 June, the Household Division said the expected excessive temperatures, including a Met Office red warning in the middle of the week, had prompted temporary changes to daily ceremonial operations.
There will be no ceremonial guard changes in London or Windsor on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. In addition, the King’s Life Guard at Horse Guards Parade will change without ceremony at 8am on Wednesday to minimise the risk of heat stress to horses.
The Household Division said the welfare of personnel and animals remained paramount and that it was acting in line with advice issued by the Met Office and other government agencies, which have recommended reducing outdoor activities during the hottest period.
Visitors may still see guards on duty, although soldiers are being moved to shaded positions and relieved more frequently. The Army stressed that these are standard procedures during periods of extreme heat.
A statement said: “We understand this is a busy time of year for visitors to watch the Ceremonial Operations at each of the various locations. Whilst it may be disappointing not to experience the Ceremonial Operations in full, it is important the wellbeing of the public, our soldiers and military working horses is maintained at all times.”
The disruption affects some of Britain’s most popular tourist attractions during the peak summer season. Buckingham Palace had been due to host the Changing of the Guard by the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards on Monday, with Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards scheduled to take over on Friday.
At Windsor Castle, ceremonial duties resume on Saturday when the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards are due to mount the guard, accompanied by the Corps of Drums of the battalion.
The temporary changes come as much of the country braces for unusually high temperatures, with authorities urging people to limit travel and avoid unnecessary time outdoors during the hottest parts of the day.
