The traditional Changing the Guard ceremonies outside Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle have been suspended this week due to the heatwave gripping the nation. The ceremony, which involves soldiers dressed in heavy, thick military uniforms and large bearskin hats and military working horses, has been postponed as temperatures are predicted to rise to almost 40 °C.
The Household Division said that due to the scorching temperatures, there will be no ceremonial guard changes on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. They said this is to ensure the safety of its personnel and animals, as well as members of the public who typically gather in their droves to watch the ceremony.
A statement read: “Due to the forecasted excessive temperatures expected this week across the country the daily Ceremonial Operations will be slightly changed to take the hot weather into account.
“We take the wellbeing of our soldiers and military working horses very seriously and like the rest of the country are aware of the forecasted excessive temperatures expected this week including a RED alert towards the middle of the week.
“The Met Office and other Government agencies have issued detailed advice and recommend a reduction in travel and activities outside.
“To support this effort, and reduce risks to military personnel and horses as well as, importantly, to the public, who usually gather in large numbers to watch these events, this week will see some changes.
“There will be no ceremonial guard changes in Windsor and London on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. The King’s Life Guard (the mounted troops at Horse Guards) will change without ceremony at 0800 on Wednesday to avoid heat stress to horses.
“While soldiers are on Guard, the public may notice that they have been moved to shaded positions and are changed more frequently. This is normal practice in hot weather.
“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.”