Funny story, I am in a military based group here in Sweden and we too have a queen or kings guard. Here it's called "högvakt" which translates to "high guard". Now during my basic training, one of my instructors told us about when he used to be apart of the high guard, and he had two story's that just stood out a little extra. So there is a common misconception that you're not allowed to talk while standing high guard, this is not true. So naturally whilst he was standing guard, he'd get some pretty funny interactions, one of which being when someone asked "you're not really allowed to talk right", expecting no response. Well he just simply answered "why would we not be allowed to talk" always leaving people a bit stumped. There was another time where a Japanese family got a bit too close to them and the castle. The standard procedure when someone gets too close is to yell "BACKA" which in Swedish means "BACK OFF", as you point your rifle at them. Now in Japanese "backa" means "idiot" or "moron", or something of the like. Which just means that as this family got way too close, for them it sounded as if they were being screamed "IDIOT" too. Welp that was my Ted talk and i hope you enjoyed it.
Something missed is that the Queens Guard are all Infantry many of which have seen combat, and they rotate from guard duty to deployment, they don't just stand guard their entire career they do also see combat.
Reminds me of the one video I saw where a parrent took their kid (who was in a queens guard costume) to see the queens guard. The kid gave them a salute, all the guards kept on marching but once they all entered the castle one marched back out to have a picture taken with the kid.
That's a cool story. I hope that little boy gets to grow up and wear the uniform for real. Good on the guard for recognizing how important that is for that little boy. The guard had a choice and he made the right one. I'm an American Air Force veteran. I was stationed in the town where I attendied elementary school for my first duty station. I used to go back to that elementary school to volunteer and fortunately my teachers were still there. When I would walk in the classroom in uniform the children's eyes would light up as if a superhero just walked through the door. I felt the weight of my responsibility to be an exemplary example of excellence as in uniform I represented the best our nation has to offer and was representing the military as a whole. To them I was a bonafide hero. Much respect to my British counterparts, I've been fortunate enough to be stationed with them and witnessed first hand their excellence and bravery. Cheers to them.
When i was in England with my school group one of my classmates was messing with a guard and got a rifle butt to the chest and a bayonet stuck 2 inches from his head.
@@buzzzsaw2381 I was part of the honour party for 1 RTR I think it was (a while ago now) were getting their Guidon renewed at Buckingham Palace. As my unit was marching in, the Capt in charge of us decided to take the long way around, and we encountered the guards marching along the other way, and we saluted (as we would!) and received on in return. Nothing major really, but not a lot of people can say they've had a salute from the Queen's Guard.
Andrew Powell why? It makes perfect sense, can’t wouldn’t. ‘Not a lot of people are able to say they have received a salute from the queens guard’. You’re suggesting he say ‘not a lot of people are unable to say they’ve received a salute’ - suggesting that it is more common to receive a salute than not.
@@michealwhite1091 guessing one of you were an officer then? Why else would there be a salute, the standard is you only salute officer and should always salute officers and they should salute back as respect
@@CamJBick Yes, only the officer salutes, but the whole body of men recieve it. The Capt actually saluted, and we braced and marched eyes left for the salute, which was returned by their officer, and braced and eyes righted by the soldiers. That means we received the salute.
I was taught in Marine basic, do not point your weapon endless you intend to use it. So, I’m sure that the tourists in that video was over 50%, but the guard was protecting the Queen.
John Smith good name. Wander the next step would have been? If like Washington DC, probably had several guys in the area ready to grab him. Before he would have been shot.
@@johnsimun6533 Possibly there are also usually civilian police in or around the Victoria Memorial which is right outside of the palaces main gate so they could probably assist too if needed. Granted climbing on a fence is not illegal in and of itself but it would almost certainly be sufficient reasonable suspicion for the police to detain the individual to investigate their intentions.
Seraphina so you’re saying if I, hypothetically, just went and sat on the fence, it would technically be legal? I’d totally try to coax a guard into a staring contest from behind the fence at least.
deathkeeper201721 I probably wouldn’t myself. The Guard is highly trained by the best of the military in England, and cross trained with the best in the world. Correct me if I’m wrong, the police do not carry guns, but they carry big sticks, and will use them quick?
To be honest I'd never try to mess with people like the queens guard but thats mostly because I think they are badass given what they have to go through
Apart from the ceremonial Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, where their route is already closed off to pedestrians, I've encountered Queen's guards on the march, twice. The first time was at the Tower of London, and a year later at Windsor Castle. Both times, they marched at a brisk pace, in the middle of the road, announcing "Make way for the Queen's Guard" and you either moved quickly to the side of the road, or you got knocked aside / down by a large, strong man marching through you at a brisk pace, as if you didn't exist, no fucks given. It's an impressive sight to see.
The foot Guards are not especially difficult to get into beyond standard requirements, however they have effectively chosen to abandon a considerable amount of free time having to keep the kit in order. You're not supposed to drink alcohol the night before a parade, but plenty have. If you faint, and it's found out you had alcohol you're in a world of shit. When it comes to tourists the thing many do to deal with them is feeling pure fucking hate towards everyone, this helps the face keep straight. The Foot Guards tend to get the attention, however the horse guards have it worse, they have to spend longer at post, often have to deal with horses, have more equipment to deal with and tourists are often closer to them. But the kicker is when dealing with hot weather. Horse guards have to wear a steel cuirass, and wool, and heat of a horse beneath you in a longer shift. It's borderline torture.
@Norse Woodman founding of America? It isn't 1776 and the monarchy is a different beast. The Queen is patron of over 3000 charities. She has patronage for about hundred Armed Forces organisations and the Duchy has contributed millions of pounds aswell as money raised through them. Harry made Invictus on her behalf. She even served during WW2. Im sure she's done more for soldiers than you have. Any "self respecting" man, would honour the oaths he swore when he signed up, like her majesty herself is doing. Have you served?
@Norse Woodman you miss understand the role of the armed forces. I'd just go watch another video, you sound like a donut who has never served but criticise those who do. Did you fail basics or something? Just to add, I get payed quite well, well enough to look after my family thats for sure. I would die for the Queen and what she represents, I would die for my family, and a stranger in the street who needed help. Its called selfless commitment, conviction and principle, more things you know nothing about.
My dad and uncle were in the queens guard, when I was 4 years old my dad took me to see the soldiers marching and a soldier came up to us and he patted my head and saluted, I wasn't told until I was 7 that was my uncle in uniform XD
As an American Texan, the only bothering of the Queens guard I would do is to thank them for their extreme service to their country. Good on them for being the best.
I was a Queens Guard for 23 years (Irish Guards). And yes we are front line troops serving on operations, as well as public duties such as guarding Royal palaces etc. As for moving wile on duty a Buckingham palace, you may march as far as 15 paces from your post then turn to return to your post. Its true that we do not stop and will go through anyone who are blocking the way after giving the warning ''make way for the Queens guard''. Also that we can at times shout at a member of the public. For example at Windsor Castle if anyone crosses the white line in front of No 1 post, outside of the guardroom. However your stretching things on some other points with others simply not true. Hope that clears things up a little for you.
The Tomb of the unknown soldier can only be recruited from 5th infantry regiment the old guard if my memory serves me correctly and can't be recruited from any other regiment
Eh, sort of. It's the 3rd Infantry Regiment and they aren't so much "recruited" as 2 of their 3 battalions are permanently assigned ceremonial duties in and around Washington, DC.
Ive always been curious if it were true or not, in america we have to yell at anyone acting out of line in any way when guarding the tomb of the unknown soldier.
Aidan Wedgbury Not really, the QG are a lot more strict and can kill if you are deemed a threat. If you’re armed in any way, even with legal knives, you can be killed.
If anyone is dumb enough to do that, they should be less worried about that guard and more worried about any veterans out there with them, along with other active duty military and their families. It has nothing at all to do with any glorified figurehead. In this case it would basically be disrespecting any soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen that paid the ultimate price for their country. Thus an invitation to get your ass kicked. As strange as the tradition of having a ceremonial post may seem on the surface to some people, one really should understand what it's about.
Ive visited London 3 Times in my life (im from Germany) and was always amazed how much discipline this guys have. But at the same time i felt always Sorry for them that so much tourists annoy them just to make them laugh or whatever. Great channel, keep it up!
Last time I was at Buckingham Palace, I saw one of the guards click the heels, take a couple steps and scream (incredibly loud) at a group of tourists to back off. They were shook for a second, backed up, and then all started cheering. I was embarrassed to be a tourist even from 30 feet away.
Theres a vid out there where the marked routes that the guard uses to change guards/posts get delivertly blocked by some tourist girl and the guard tell her to move then shives her to the floor when she doesn't
If anyone's entitled in this situation I would say its the queen, who because of a literal title gets to spend taxpayer money making submissive men piss themselves in silly outfits
In court "You shot a man in the face for being in your path, correct?" *"He was a danger to the sovereign"* "In what way?" *"I decided he was"* "That's enough for me, I have to go home to eat din-din with Bono and Ronald"
In the 50s my Grandma was dating a member of the Queen’s guard and one day she went to the palace and tried to wind him up waved, yelled and so on, to try and get him to react. He didn’t move a muscle but he did dump her.
The reason we faint like that when we are standing at attention is not because we are told to. It’s because you lose feeling in your legs and face plant. Also when you faint it is kinda hard to have any coherent thoughts.
I thought that seemed odd as higher brain functions are generally the first thing to go, there is a reason why the first thing that will start lowering a persons Glasgow Coma Scale score is evidence of cognitive defects (Inability to follow simple instructions or respond to simple questions appropriately) it's precisely because those going is usually the first sign something is disrupting the functioning of the brain.
That’s a myth about the life of Brian scene. Such a conversation never took place, but they weren’t told the script, and when they started to crack up they were instructed to keep rolling and to hold their laughs in
I've spent 4 years in the RCAC won 2 drill compressions and 3 band competitions. I've scored others in their dress uniform. The 100 point inspection is 90% arbitrary stuff such as can you tie the tie correctly. The running joke is can you see yourself in your boots. If you can figure out how to shine your boots properly the rest is simple.
The general rule is anything that threatens the Queen, or their combat effectiveness. In military areas, marching groups have the right of way. Nothing the Queen's Guard do is special from a military perspective, just to a MUCH higher fidelity.
9:00 Thats a misconception. In an interview with a former queens guard, the soldier stated that 99% of the time the weapons are unloaded. They only load the weapons if there is a confirmed or possible threat to the palace or if the terror threat level is imminent. Other than that the only people with loaded weapons are the armed police dotted around the outer fence.
Actually it depends on the threat level. Sometimes the weopons ain't loaded but are allowed to carry a mag beneath their dressing. Tho i was told this when i was applying for the Coldstream guard.
They are allowed to move to challenge people as seen in the video, otherwise they would be pretty pointless as guards. They are also periodically 'patrol their post' which is mainly a means to help circulation, and prevent blood from pooling in their legs.
Is a Queen's Guard permitted to intervene if he witnesses a crime? e.g. What if a woman is being assaulted by her douche-bro husband, and no police officer is around? [edit] Thanks everyone for your replies!
@@immortallvulture Around the palace they are arguably better placed to do so also as the civilian police are outside the palace gates around the Victoria Memorial and such while the Queens guard are inside the grounds. Especially in this sort of situation where the assailant and victim will be very close together can't really use a gun to intervene in that situation because you have too great a risk of hitting the victim especially if they are still actively trying to resist their attacker making the situation chaotic. Far easier for the police outside to physically get in there and physically break up the altercation by hand.
My buddy was really hungover so me and the other Guardsman on the opposite side of him shuffled over a tiny bit to help him stay standing, I've also wrapped a finger thru the belt of the Guardsman beside me to give him a little shake to keep him awake. Luckily I was never caught otherwise I would definitely have been charged
in addition to the queens guards being an extension of the royal family and not being allowed to stop them. I believe it is still in the rule books, that the royal mail are allowed to run red lights , i know they were allowed in the past. as it is royal mail, you were not allowed to stop or impede them
(Former cadet) Standing still for more than a few hours in the sun in a dark navy blue uniform is not fun. 3 years of it resulted in me not being able to keep my knees bent for long periods of time, have a stoic expression despite my mood and can stare straight ahead for hours. I
Back when I was an army cadet in school, we’d make bets on how many people would faint during inspection 😂 obviously we were just teenagers so like of course people would get picked up and taken aside but we would just drop in place and everyone else would stay to attention 😂
Theirs one guard known to laugh or smile and people always try to make him laugh but i love shaqs story about trying to make a guard laugh or move and accidentally bumped him and was arrested and brought up how he is the david beckham of america
>required to stand still for ludicrous amounts of time >the finest soldiers in their army >silly tall hats >protect the ruler The queens guard are just a real life version of the adeptus custodes from warhammer 40k
My favourite story out of all from spending 25 years in the Scots Guards and spending about a year total guarding Buckingham Palace. In one area, there is a line on the ground you can't cross. This old east Asian tourist was taking photos with her camera peering through the viewfinder and shuffling forward getting dangerously close to the line. As soon as she stepped an inch over the line, pointed the rifle at her and loudly shouted STAND BEHIND THE LINE. She dropped her camera and ran away shrieking. She didn't stop running and didn't stop shrieking until far away. Everyone else looking shocked and sheepish. Amazing
From the intro, I was never really yelled at that loud as a kid, and as a result I was rarely afraid of consequences and got away with a lot, so now whenever I really need to yell at a kid I don't hold back. One time at a lunch club I helped superivse, astudent brought in a toy replica MP5-K from a PS2 game to show off to a friend and started waving it around. The teacher that was already in there didn't seem to understand why that's not a thing you're allowed to do in a school so wasn't doing anything about it, but as soon as I rounded the corner and saw it I yelled so loud he dropped it instantly (the other teacher dropped her coffee on herself too), and around 20 seconds later a bunch of teachers from surrounding classrooms, including one from 30 doors down came running to see what was happening. Lil dude almost got excluded for it but we managed to get him off with just a couple detentions, because mum clearly had no idea why it was wrong either and so nobody had ever said to him he wasn't allowed to. Poor lad thought that although everyone had been told due to a recent incident that bringing in a knife or something that looks like one is not allowed, he didn't realise a replica firearm would cause similar problems.
Theoretically what if someone in a wheelchair or on crutches was in their way, what would happen then? And if they decide to walk through them what happens if they had a serious medical injury?
Its hilarious that the guard can do whatever they want and no one realises theres a good clip of a guard shoving a girl out of the way of his patrol route when she was trying to block his path where he yells move and just shoves her out the way
I love these videos and don’t want to give people the impression that I am purposefully discrediting them but here are a few inaccuracies mentioned. There is no specific training to be a Queen’s guard as they are part of 1 of 5 Guards Units which are professional infantry first. The guard units are not the only ones who are given Public Duties ( official name to guarding the Royal palaces ) other units can be given it as well such as RAF or Royal Navy Guns are not loaded ( Not recommended to see how well soldiers are trained with bayonets) but can be if threat level is high enough One thing that is related but is unmentioned is that soldiers will also hurt you if it comes to the protection of their Units Colours. My Dad once watched one of his Sgts knock out a tourist with a rifle over protecting the colors.
Dahn, I don’t want to criticize your military experience but when it comes to discipline that is something that you will have in the military and I have had it confirmed by my dad ( who was a British infantry officer and did Public duties) that the men do not receive any formal training related to civilians like with the police even when it comes to guarding the Queen. As for the fact about their weapons again I must repeat that NO they are not loaded and that is because defense of Buckingham Palace is the Police’s responsibility. The soldiers are only there for historical purposes. If the men did have live ammo then they’ll be in their combat uniform.
I thought the only way they are allowed to move when they legs start to hurt or something like that is to start marching. But if there are two of them on that post they have to communicate to each other as when to start marching simultaneously.
@@ScreamingSutch Well no shit lol, my point is that they don't just randomly hand select "The Elite" It is on a volunteer basis and whether or not you get in is up to your own abilities at that point
You join the guards regiments the same as you would join any regiment in the army with the same fitness requirements so they are most likely not to the same standard as sentinels at the tomb of the unknown soldier. Also all soldiers nn the British army are volunteers.
No, but it’s not unheard of for some guardsmen to piss themselves, apparently there’s always one that does it on big events like the trooping of the colour or state visits when guardsmen are on duty for upwards of 8 hours
They are on duty for 2hrs then change at windsor,buckingham, its not that difficult to hold it or heres a thought take a waz before your on. If you faint on duty in my day you were regarded as a wanker , You did it to yourself either on the lash the night before,not takeing enough fluids that morning or you did it on purpose to sherk duties any one of these reasons will put you on restricted privs or some time in the guard house. The guard house being the worst because they still use floor polish on the ceilings buffed with a heavy block on a broom handle. so if you thought about fainting before god help you now. something of an accomplishment to wax polish a ceiling with no bloom,swirls,marks in it.I know i was 1st Bn welsh guards. Theres one thing being in any regiment teaches you and thats self respect Pissing your trousers on duty is something you would not brag about.
@@immortallvulture I have done trooping and state visit and beaten retreat and never heard of any one peeing they're pants but i digress that dont mean it didnt happen.
Completely random, but I find it very interesting to see how so many British men seem to all begin to gain weight at a rapid rate around the same age, late 20's. This is coming from a chubby American, so I'm not hating, I just find it interesting how stark the pattern is.
This is wrong you go strait into the regiment from day 1 you’re not chosen, the different guard regiments then do rotations on which regiment is standing guard, when they change there is then a ceremony called the changing of the guard
A queens guard almost shot the queen one time it was his first duty in the garden and he. Didn't know the queen would sometimes go into the garden late at night and after she identified herself she said (it's been a when seen I read this) something to a effect of you almost shot me asshole or something like that
When I was 6, I ran up and got a ft away from her before a queen's guard picked me up like an errant puppy and scolded my dad. Context, visit to Newfoundland, Canada
@@charlesthebeagle4989 the SAS are the British army special operations force. Anyone can apply to join, but only 1 in every 20 candidates makes it past selection. People have even died in SAS training.
Remember what the Duke of Wellington said about the Guards: "I don't know what effect these men will have on the enemy, but by God, they terrify me."
That quote was about the British Army as a whole not just the Guards
@@peterbrown1012 still funny though
Follow up fact he was in the presence of the Scots guards
Funny story, I am in a military based group here in Sweden and we too have a queen or kings guard. Here it's called "högvakt" which translates to "high guard". Now during my basic training, one of my instructors told us about when he used to be apart of the high guard, and he had two story's that just stood out a little extra. So there is a common misconception that you're not allowed to talk while standing high guard, this is not true. So naturally whilst he was standing guard, he'd get some pretty funny interactions, one of which being when someone asked "you're not really allowed to talk right", expecting no response. Well he just simply answered "why would we not be allowed to talk" always leaving people a bit stumped. There was another time where a Japanese family got a bit too close to them and the castle. The standard procedure when someone gets too close is to yell "BACKA" which in Swedish means "BACK OFF", as you point your rifle at them. Now in Japanese "backa" means "idiot" or "moron", or something of the like. Which just means that as this family got way too close, for them it sounded as if they were being screamed "IDIOT" too. Welp that was my Ted talk and i hope you enjoyed it.
So, you’re not allowed to call people idiots, right?
I did in fact enjoy it! Thank you
BAKAA
It's not like I want you to move aside or anything... BAKA!
@@veprolet1 japanese tourists: tsundere......
Something missed is that the Queens Guard are all Infantry many of which have seen combat, and they rotate from guard duty to deployment, they don't just stand guard their entire career they do also see combat.
These days it's the new guys that get public duties then eventually rotate to a rifle company. Only the nco's rotate back in.
They're Guardsmen, so technically not Infantry but the 5 Guards regiment do deploy as light inf when needed
@@jesseblack5812 they dint deploy as light inf, they are line infantry not light infantry
@@ianmills9266 same thing fundementally tho
@@jesseblack5812 genuinely isn't
Reminds me of the one video I saw where a parrent took their kid (who was in a queens guard costume) to see the queens guard. The kid gave them a salute, all the guards kept on marching but once they all entered the castle one marched back out to have a picture taken with the kid.
Until they reached the building they were still on duty, the NCO that came back was officially in his off period.
That's a cool story. I hope that little boy gets to grow up and wear the uniform for real. Good on the guard for recognizing how important that is for that little boy. The guard had a choice and he made the right one. I'm an American Air Force veteran. I was stationed in the town where I attendied elementary school for my first duty station. I used to go back to that elementary school to volunteer and fortunately my teachers were still there. When I would walk in the classroom in uniform the children's eyes would light up as if a superhero just walked through the door. I felt the weight of my responsibility to be an exemplary example of excellence as in uniform I represented the best our nation has to offer and was representing the military as a whole. To them I was a bonafide hero. Much respect to my British counterparts, I've been fortunate enough to be stationed with them and witnessed first hand their excellence and bravery. Cheers to them.
"so i'm gonna go and be a real pain in the ass for this top trained soldier, who is on duty protecting the Fing queen"
"...fine idea chap"
*gets shot*
WHAT, THIS GUARD HAD A REAL GUN?
@@lucasxpify
A) it woukd have been the RaSP who shot you. They only carry one mag or real ammo and wouldn't have used it on a pain in the ass.
Tbh what part of a tourists mind thinks "let's mess with a bloke holding a gun"
The american part
When i was in England with my school group one of my classmates was messing with a guard and got a rifle butt to the chest and a bayonet stuck 2 inches from his head.
Something I find stupid is the fact that people think that the queens guard’s rifles aren’t loaded or are fake.... they are the army
@@thartiustheslayerofthots7088 Kinda hard to guard a monarch with an empty gun and threats with just as much weight behind them, eh?
@@faultyblender3590 exactly, it’s stupid that people think they aren’t loaded
I've been lucky enough to take a salute from the Queen's Guard
Why?
@@buzzzsaw2381 I was part of the honour party for 1 RTR I think it was (a while ago now) were getting their Guidon renewed at Buckingham Palace. As my unit was marching in, the Capt in charge of us decided to take the long way around, and we encountered the guards marching along the other way, and we saluted (as we would!) and received on in return. Nothing major really, but not a lot of people can say they've had a salute from the Queen's Guard.
Andrew Powell why? It makes perfect sense, can’t wouldn’t. ‘Not a lot of people are able to say they have received a salute from the queens guard’. You’re suggesting he say ‘not a lot of people are unable to say they’ve received a salute’ - suggesting that it is more common to receive a salute than not.
@@michealwhite1091 guessing one of you were an officer then? Why else would there be a salute, the standard is you only salute officer and should always salute officers and they should salute back as respect
@@CamJBick Yes, only the officer salutes, but the whole body of men recieve it. The Capt actually saluted, and we braced and marched eyes left for the salute, which was returned by their officer, and braced and eyes righted by the soldiers. That means we received the salute.
I was taught in Marine basic, do not point your weapon endless you intend to use it. So, I’m sure that the tourists in that video was over 50%, but the guard was protecting the Queen.
I’m sure that soldier was fully intending to use his weapon if necessary
John Smith good name. Wander the next step would have been? If like Washington DC, probably had several guys in the area ready to grab him. Before he would have been shot.
@@johnsimun6533 Possibly there are also usually civilian police in or around the Victoria Memorial which is right outside of the palaces main gate so they could probably assist too if needed. Granted climbing on a fence is not illegal in and of itself but it would almost certainly be sufficient reasonable suspicion for the police to detain the individual to investigate their intentions.
Seraphina so you’re saying if I, hypothetically, just went and sat on the fence, it would technically be legal? I’d totally try to coax a guard into a staring contest from behind the fence at least.
deathkeeper201721 I probably wouldn’t myself. The Guard is highly trained by the best of the military in England, and cross trained with the best in the world.
Correct me if I’m wrong, the police do not carry guns, but they carry big sticks, and will use them quick?
Child: **leans on the fence**
Guardsman: **loading shotgun** Shame.
Nice one
Release the hounds
@@wildmoose3979 for the youth of the queen
To be honest I'd never try to mess with people like the queens guard but thats mostly because I think they are badass given what they have to go through
that spiderman far from home scene tho
Apart from the ceremonial Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace, where their route is already closed off to pedestrians, I've encountered Queen's guards on the march, twice. The first time was at the Tower of London, and a year later at Windsor Castle. Both times, they marched at a brisk pace, in the middle of the road, announcing "Make way for the Queen's Guard" and you either moved quickly to the side of the road, or you got knocked aside / down by a large, strong man marching through you at a brisk pace, as if you didn't exist, no fucks given. It's an impressive sight to see.
Why do they need to protect the queen? She’s immortal...
they defend from people who wish to steal the secret to her power
Immortal, yes, invincible, no
They´re actually protecting the public from the queen
The Queen and Betty White will be sharing tea long after the rest of us are gone...
To protect her secret
The foot Guards are not especially difficult to get into beyond standard requirements, however they have effectively chosen to abandon a considerable amount of free time having to keep the kit in order.
You're not supposed to drink alcohol the night before a parade, but plenty have. If you faint, and it's found out you had alcohol you're in a world of shit.
When it comes to tourists the thing many do to deal with them is feeling pure fucking hate towards everyone, this helps the face keep straight.
The Foot Guards tend to get the attention, however the horse guards have it worse, they have to spend longer at post, often have to deal with horses, have more equipment to deal with and tourists are often closer to them.
But the kicker is when dealing with hot weather. Horse guards have to wear a steel cuirass, and wool, and heat of a horse beneath you in a longer shift. It's borderline torture.
@Norse Woodman depends on the person. For many its the prestige.
@Norse Woodman you think the Queen doesn't give a fuck about soldiers?
@Norse Woodman founding of America? It isn't 1776 and the monarchy is a different beast. The Queen is patron of over 3000 charities. She has patronage for about hundred Armed Forces organisations and the Duchy has contributed millions of pounds aswell as money raised through them. Harry made Invictus on her behalf. She even served during WW2. Im sure she's done more for soldiers than you have. Any "self respecting" man, would honour the oaths he swore when he signed up, like her majesty herself is doing. Have you served?
@Norse Woodman I cut my own grass thx. Its the people of Britain, the BRITISH armed forces.
@Norse Woodman you miss understand the role of the armed forces. I'd just go watch another video, you sound like a donut who has never served but criticise those who do. Did you fail basics or something?
Just to add, I get payed quite well, well enough to look after my family thats for sure. I would die for the Queen and what she represents, I would die for my family, and a stranger in the street who needed help. Its called selfless commitment, conviction and principle, more things you know nothing about.
My dad and uncle were in the queens guard, when I was 4 years old my dad took me to see the soldiers marching and a soldier came up to us and he patted my head and saluted, I wasn't told until I was 7 that was my uncle in uniform XD
So the guards are basically licensed to kill
As any armed guard anywhere on earth, really. Everyone who get's to carry a gun to work is supposed to use it if neccessary.
They are licensed to do essentially anything they want
Yeah if they have to
They are normal soldiers and are deployed to warzones so yes I guess you could say that.
Rights for otamatones they are normal soldiers, they get posted all around the world but they also do guard duty
As an American Texan, the only bothering of the Queens guard I would do is to thank them for their extreme service to their country. Good on them for being the best.
Amen.
Yeah they are badass considering the requirements to be considered let alone recruited aswell as what they have to go through on a daily basis.
If you want to know what the guards really do for a living, there is a movie called Tumbledown. The
Scots Guards in the Falklands war.
@@josephturner4047 hmm ill see if its on netflix
My first regiment was to be the 2nd Batt the Scots guards, ended up in the L.I. (The Light Infantry)
I was a Queens Guard for 23 years (Irish Guards). And yes we are front line troops serving on operations, as well as public duties such as guarding Royal palaces etc. As for moving wile on duty a Buckingham palace, you may march as far as 15 paces from your post then turn to return to your post. Its true that we do not stop and will go through anyone who are blocking the way after giving the warning ''make way for the Queens guard''. Also that we can at times shout at a member of the public. For example at Windsor Castle if anyone crosses the white line in front of No 1 post, outside of the guardroom. However your stretching things on some other points with others simply not true. Hope that clears things up a little for you.
Even when screaming at the top of their lungs they still sound so polite
I love how they barreled through that guy, then yelled make way after.
Yeah, like it was just some kind of formality.
The Tomb of the unknown soldier can only be recruited from 5th infantry regiment the old guard if my memory serves me correctly and can't be recruited from any other regiment
Eh, sort of. It's the 3rd Infantry Regiment and they aren't so much "recruited" as 2 of their 3 battalions are permanently assigned ceremonial duties in and around Washington, DC.
Yeah they cannot be selected from any other branch only the army from the 3rd infantry regiment.
Depends on the country, there’s many tombs of the unknown soldier.
@@poofishgaming5622 they were talking about the American tomb of the unknown soldier.
Sergeant Tusant I just saw unknown soldier, if they meant that then they should say it otherwise it kinda seems a bit naive.
Ive always been curious if it were true or not, in america we have to yell at anyone acting out of line in any way when guarding the tomb of the unknown soldier.
The rules are essentially the same
Aidan Wedgbury Not really, the QG are a lot more strict and can kill if you are deemed a threat. If you’re armed in any way, even with legal knives, you can be killed.
If anyone is dumb enough to do that, they should be less worried about that guard and more worried about any veterans out there with them, along with other active duty military and their families. It has nothing at all to do with any glorified figurehead. In this case it would basically be disrespecting any soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen that paid the ultimate price for their country. Thus an invitation to get your ass kicked. As strange as the tradition of having a ceremonial post may seem on the surface to some people, one really should understand what it's about.
Ive visited London 3 Times in my life (im from Germany) and was always amazed how much discipline this guys have. But at the same time i felt always Sorry for them that so much tourists annoy them just to make them laugh or whatever.
Great channel, keep it up!
Last time I was at Buckingham Palace, I saw one of the guards click the heels, take a couple steps and scream (incredibly loud) at a group of tourists to back off. They were shook for a second, backed up, and then all started cheering. I was embarrassed to be a tourist even from 30 feet away.
i can imagine an entitled person trying to confront the queen's guard, oh wait, they might not be alive to tell their tale
i would pay to see the video of this event just for the fun factor alone
@Norse Woodman You shouldn't leave out, that the second victory was due to a bunch of New Orleans volunteers and a French pirate and his crew.
Theres a vid out there where the marked routes that the guard uses to change guards/posts get delivertly blocked by some tourist girl and the guard tell her to move then shives her to the floor when she doesn't
@Norse Woodman no what you did was fight off the tiny amount of soldiers we had in your country
If anyone's entitled in this situation I would say its the queen, who because of a literal title gets to spend taxpayer money making submissive men piss themselves in silly outfits
That fainting-to-attention thing is common to the whole army, not just the Guards. It might not be enforced, but it's still a thing.
In court
"You shot a man in the face for being in your path, correct?"
*"He was a danger to the sovereign"*
"In what way?"
*"I decided he was"*
"That's enough for me, I have to go home to eat din-din with Bono and Ronald"
@@wildmoose3979 no, but you are
Their rifles aren’t loaded so probably won’t happen
@@him050 ... Their rifles are, in fact, loaded.
@@thegrouchization no they’re not. They’re only carry live ammunition if we’re on the highest terrorist threat levels.
yeah, its true
If only they had a tenner everytime they say "GET OFF THE FENCE!!!"
it's literally their job to do so... soooo... they kind of do.
I find it amazing that so many doubt they have real riffles and carry live ammo. If that were the case they would hire actors, not soldiers.
In the 50s my Grandma was dating a member of the Queen’s guard and one day she went to the palace and tried to wind him up waved, yelled and so on, to try and get him to react.
He didn’t move a muscle but he did dump her.
The reason we faint like that when we are standing at attention is not because we are told to. It’s because you lose feeling in your legs and face plant. Also when you faint it is kinda hard to have any coherent thoughts.
I thought that seemed odd as higher brain functions are generally the first thing to go, there is a reason why the first thing that will start lowering a persons Glasgow Coma Scale score is evidence of cognitive defects (Inability to follow simple instructions or respond to simple questions appropriately) it's precisely because those going is usually the first sign something is disrupting the functioning of the brain.
That’s a myth about the life of Brian scene. Such a conversation never took place, but they weren’t told the script, and when they started to crack up they were instructed to keep rolling and to hold their laughs in
I always forget these dudes have a life outside of standing
If I go to London one day I need to give some props to those guys for not shooting tourists on a daily basis
Especially American tourists
God your expertise in the field of household regiments, and guards regiments is amazing, so tell me where did you serve?
I can't be the only one who thinks this guy looks exactly like Bo Burnham.
Your video inspired me to look up the clip of Bertie Bee tackling a streaker and then doing the worm after, so thanks for that!
If I ever find my self in front of Buckingham palace I'll make sure to give them a genuine solute for their dedication to the queen nation and crown
I've spent 4 years in the RCAC won 2 drill compressions and 3 band competitions. I've scored others in their dress uniform. The 100 point inspection is 90% arbitrary stuff such as can you tie the tie correctly. The running joke is can you see yourself in your boots. If you can figure out how to shine your boots properly the rest is simple.
The general rule is anything that threatens the Queen, or their combat effectiveness. In military areas, marching groups have the right of way. Nothing the Queen's Guard do is special from a military perspective, just to a MUCH higher fidelity.
9:00 Thats a misconception. In an interview with a former queens guard, the soldier stated that 99% of the time the weapons are unloaded. They only load the weapons if there is a confirmed or possible threat to the palace or if the terror threat level is imminent. Other than that the only people with loaded weapons are the armed police dotted around the outer fence.
Actually it depends on the threat level. Sometimes the weopons ain't loaded but are allowed to carry a mag beneath their dressing. Tho i was told this when i was applying for the Coldstream guard.
Those bayonets are real though.
I watched clups of them just knock oblivious idiots out of the way. Also one moon walked, that one was endearing.
“They are actually allowed to move if they want”
“They are explicitly ordered to stay still”
They are allowed to move to challenge people as seen in the video, otherwise they would be pretty pointless as guards. They are also periodically 'patrol their post' which is mainly a means to help circulation, and prevent blood from pooling in their legs.
Love videos like this I'm starting phase 1 basic training for grenadier gaurds in September
My greatgrandfather was in the Grenadiers during the Boer War..
Is a Queen's Guard permitted to intervene if he witnesses a crime? e.g. What if a woman is being assaulted by her douche-bro husband, and no police officer is around?
[edit]
Thanks everyone for your replies!
I'm not sure if standing guard overrules interfering with various degrees of crime.
There’s usually police around the guards that deal with it, a guard may choose to interfere if he thinks there is a danger to others.
@@immortallvulture Around the palace they are arguably better placed to do so also as the civilian police are outside the palace gates around the Victoria Memorial and such while the Queens guard are inside the grounds. Especially in this sort of situation where the assailant and victim will be very close together can't really use a gun to intervene in that situation because you have too great a risk of hitting the victim especially if they are still actively trying to resist their attacker making the situation chaotic. Far easier for the police outside to physically get in there and physically break up the altercation by hand.
Technically no but if it xan be seen as " a potential threat to the crown" then yes he can do whatever he wants
He can but I don't think that he will, because he's there to protect the queen, not you
My buddy was really hungover so me and the other Guardsman on the opposite side of him shuffled over a tiny bit to help him stay standing, I've also wrapped a finger thru the belt of the Guardsman beside me to give him a little shake to keep him awake. Luckily I was never caught otherwise I would definitely have been charged
Why am I being re-recommended this 😂 somethings up
in addition to the queens guards being an extension of the royal family and not being allowed to stop them. I believe it is still in the rule books, that the royal mail are allowed to run red lights , i know they were allowed in the past. as it is royal mail, you were not allowed to stop or impede them
(Former cadet) Standing still for more than a few hours in the sun in a dark navy blue uniform is not fun. 3 years of it resulted in me not being able to keep my knees bent for long periods of time, have a stoic expression despite my mood and can stare straight ahead for hours. I
Back when I was an army cadet in school, we’d make bets on how many people would faint during inspection 😂 obviously we were just teenagers so like of course people would get picked up and taken aside but we would just drop in place and everyone else would stay to attention 😂
I'd like to see the queens guard and the sentinels of the tomb of the unknown soldier try to intimate each other and see who breaks who first
I streaked during a rugby game, the post match review said the best tackle of the game was the one the security guard pulled on me!
Theirs one guard known to laugh or smile and people always try to make him laugh but i love shaqs story about trying to make a guard laugh or move and accidentally bumped him and was arrested and brought up how he is the david beckham of america
>required to stand still for ludicrous amounts of time
>the finest soldiers in their army
>silly tall hats
>protect the ruler
The queens guard are just a real life version of the adeptus custodes from warhammer 40k
Warhammer is heavily based on European culture kind of expected. Also custodies helmets are actually based on Calvary helmets
Fun fact, Canada and many commonwealth countries have this exact same Guard regiment that perform similar functions.
My favourite story out of all from spending 25 years in the Scots Guards and spending about a year total guarding Buckingham Palace.
In one area, there is a line on the ground you can't cross. This old east Asian tourist was taking photos with her camera peering through the viewfinder and shuffling forward getting dangerously close to the line.
As soon as she stepped an inch over the line, pointed the rifle at her and loudly shouted STAND BEHIND THE LINE. She dropped her camera and ran away shrieking. She didn't stop running and didn't stop shrieking until far away. Everyone else looking shocked and sheepish. Amazing
Ya I was told if someone passes out on PS you have to march over them like they aren’t there
Yeah never fuck with a tomb guard It's a bad idea
From the intro, I was never really yelled at that loud as a kid, and as a result I was rarely afraid of consequences and got away with a lot, so now whenever I really need to yell at a kid I don't hold back.
One time at a lunch club I helped superivse, astudent brought in a toy replica MP5-K from a PS2 game to show off to a friend and started waving it around. The teacher that was already in there didn't seem to understand why that's not a thing you're allowed to do in a school so wasn't doing anything about it, but as soon as I rounded the corner and saw it I yelled so loud he dropped it instantly (the other teacher dropped her coffee on herself too), and around 20 seconds later a bunch of teachers from surrounding classrooms, including one from 30 doors down came running to see what was happening.
Lil dude almost got excluded for it but we managed to get him off with just a couple detentions, because mum clearly had no idea why it was wrong either and so nobody had ever said to him he wasn't allowed to. Poor lad thought that although everyone had been told due to a recent incident that bringing in a knife or something that looks like one is not allowed, he didn't realise a replica firearm would cause similar problems.
Some one should go up to one in bear fursuit with a hat on and yell at them that they have their fur and take off hat revealing a balled head.
Not sure youd get in reach of the hat without serious injury.
They're like the guys in suits that keep me from sitting down when I mistake a work of art for a chair at the art museum
The rifles aren't loaded unless there's a genuine threat such as a recent terrorist attack
Why isn’t there a salute emoji
o7
(/･ω･)
°_°7
/[ ]
./ \.
Theoretically what if someone in a wheelchair or on crutches was in their way, what would happen then? And if they decide to walk through them what happens if they had a serious medical injury?
Probably wouldn’t care, same as their queen
nope my mate was a member of the guard and there due to injury and being tall... and the guns aren't loaded
I LOVED this video. Heck, i LOVE this CHANNEL
Best media depiction was in Sharknado 5
that "Make way" clip was too funny omg
Its hilarious that the guard can do whatever they want and no one realises theres a good clip of a guard shoving a girl out of the way of his patrol route when she was trying to block his path where he yells move and just shoves her out the way
I want a movie where it shows likes fight near Britain and it cuts to the guards just kicking ultimate ass
I remember a video of queens guard staying in formation marching right through fresh cow poo
May want to check the regs . The queens guard is no longer best of the best but is rotational between the royal reginents when not on oversea tours .
I love these videos and don’t want to give people the impression that I am purposefully discrediting them but here are a few inaccuracies mentioned.
There is no specific training to be a Queen’s guard as they are part of 1 of 5 Guards Units which are professional infantry first.
The guard units are not the only ones who are given Public Duties ( official name to guarding the Royal palaces ) other units can be given it as well such as RAF or Royal Navy
Guns are not loaded ( Not recommended to see how well soldiers are trained with bayonets) but can be if threat level is high enough
One thing that is related but is unmentioned is that soldiers will also hurt you if it comes to the protection of their Units Colours. My Dad once watched one of his Sgts knock out a tourist with a rifle over protecting the colors.
Dahn, I don’t want to criticize your military experience but when it comes to discipline that is something that you will have in the military and I have had it confirmed by my dad ( who was a British infantry officer and did Public duties) that the men do not receive any formal training related to civilians like with the police even when it comes to guarding the Queen.
As for the fact about their weapons again I must repeat that NO they are not loaded and that is because defense of Buckingham Palace is the Police’s responsibility. The soldiers are only there for historical purposes. If the men did have live ammo then they’ll be in their combat uniform.
I wonder what the queens guard would do if you were to walk up and say “ I know this is probably annoying you but I thank you for your service”
I now want to build a wall around one to see what happens
Thankyou for your format of videos I love it
I thought the only way they are allowed to move when they legs start to hurt or something like that is to start marching. But if there are two of them on that post they have to communicate to each other as when to start marching simultaneously.
Anyone remember the movie Garfield: A Tale of Two Cats when oddie pees on the boot of the guard and they get chased.
They are soldiers. They have seen action. They don't fuck around
it's not an overreaction it's badass
That is actually wrong somewhat, the tomb of the unknown soldier guards are for the most part volunteers
Yeah but it isn’t as simple as “I volunteer” and then being accepted without question
@@ScreamingSutch Well no shit lol, my point is that they don't just randomly hand select "The Elite" It is on a volunteer basis and whether or not you get in is up to your own abilities at that point
You join the guards regiments the same as you would join any regiment in the army with the same fitness requirements so they are most likely not to the same standard as sentinels at the tomb of the unknown soldier. Also all soldiers nn the British army are volunteers.
If there not aloud to move to use the restroom. Do any of them willingly wear adult diapers?
I bet some do, but it might make it too hot down there during summer.
No, but it’s not unheard of for some guardsmen to piss themselves, apparently there’s always one that does it on big events like the trooping of the colour or state visits when guardsmen are on duty for upwards of 8 hours
They are on duty for 2hrs then change at windsor,buckingham, its not that difficult to hold it or heres a thought take a waz before your on. If you faint on duty in my day you were regarded as a wanker , You did it to yourself either on the lash the night before,not takeing enough fluids that morning or you did it on purpose to sherk duties any one of these reasons will put you on restricted privs or some time in the guard house. The guard house being the worst because they still use floor polish on the ceilings buffed with a heavy block on a broom handle. so if you thought about fainting before god help you now. something of an accomplishment to wax polish a ceiling with no bloom,swirls,marks in it.I know i was 1st Bn welsh guards. Theres one thing being in any regiment teaches you and thats self respect Pissing your trousers on duty is something you would not brag about.
@@immortallvulture I have done trooping and state visit and beaten retreat and never heard of any one peeing they're pants but i digress that dont mean it didnt happen.
Completely random, but I find it very interesting to see how so many British men seem to all begin to gain weight at a rapid rate around the same age, late 20's. This is coming from a chubby American, so I'm not hating, I just find it interesting how stark the pattern is.
Its the tea
@@randomlygeneratedname - That's what they get for putting the milk in first.
@@SomethingSeemsOff thats what ive been saying for years
I guess it's the KINGS guard now
And then they found out that the sas is a thing
That's what I thought of when he said most respected and well trained. They mostly deal with a-hole tourists oooh
TRDBucket there not only ceremonial they also go out on operation like between 2001 and 2014 the qg were in afghan
This is wrong you go strait into the regiment from day 1 you’re not chosen, the different guard regiments then do rotations on which regiment is standing guard, when they change there is then a ceremony called the changing of the guard
If its true that they face harsh reprimand for moving, then it should be made more publicly known, so that tourists will stop being chumps.
The guards won't react unless needed they are trained for it they are ment to stay constantly focused it's actually good training in the field.
A queens guard almost shot the queen one time it was his first duty in the garden and he. Didn't know the queen would sometimes go into the garden late at night and after she identified herself she said (it's been a when seen I read this) something to a effect of you almost shot me asshole or something like that
Theres a video on UA-cam where two girls are messin with the guard while taking photos then he shouts 'HANDS OFF THE QUEENS GUARD!'
My dad was a queen's guard. He didn't wanna get up in the morning.
Obliged, not obligated.
Bruh I've watched this like 5 times and it's still so funny
5:00 actually, Tomb Sentinels are only chosen from the 3rd Infantry Regiment of the U.S. Army
When I was 6, I ran up and got a ft away from her before a queen's guard picked me up like an errant puppy and scolded my dad. Context, visit to Newfoundland, Canada
"Best of the British army"
The SAS would beg to differ. The Queen's Guard doesn't hold a candle to the SAS.
SAS aren’t army they are airforce
@@charlesthebeagle4989 No, they're part of the British Army. Who told you it was part of the RAF?
ExecutorGCW look at the name
@@charlesthebeagle4989 the SAS are the British army special operations force. Anyone can apply to join, but only 1 in every 20 candidates makes it past selection. People have even died in SAS training.
SAS Operator Wraith I know that people have died during selection it happens more than it should
They're English so it would be
"Don't Mess ABOUT"
There's Scots Irish and Welsh Guards as well.
I like to put captions on and see what yall are really saying lmao. Jk the captions are way off sometimes
The guards aren't chosen, you join the guards the same as any other regiment, and guard rotations are only 2 hours
Ahahahahah not incorrect funny enough I know because it's my schedule as I am an irish guardsman
The guns are not loaded with live ammo at all times they carry spare mags with live ammo. The guns are generally empty when on guard
Now I want to recite the biggus dickus scene to a queens guard