Buckingham Palace suspends Changing of the Guard due to emergency warnings

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.