@@teckz0r They look less like a joke when they are in action and not guarding the king, there are videos about the regiments that rotate on this duty, and they are all real soldiers, you should maybe watch some of them.
I'm a retired British soldier. This is at Horseguards, it is the ceremonial entrance to Buckingham Palace, it is also the HQ of the Household Brigade & a military establishment. The Police are Ministry of Defence Police. They are armed with Heckler Koch sub machine guns & a Glock 17 side arm. Most of these cops are ex soldiers. The soldiers war fighting role is light reconnaissance tanks. Their regiment is the most senior unit in our army. The Kings body guard
Mostly right it is Horse Guards. But this is the rear side to the parade ground where Trooping the colour (the kings birthday brigade) takes place, Buckingham Palace is on the opposite side of St James Park and is usually, guarded by the Foot Guards of either, The Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Welsh or Irish Guards..
theses arent the hk mp5 or mp7 these are the sig sauer sig516 and the handgun while yes a glock it could also be the glock 19 as the 2 are almost indistinguishable until drawn
Americans consider other countries inferior. Taught all thier lives America is the greatest country in the world ever. The sense of entitlement is amazing.
Add the fact that the US is separated from Europe by an ocean, which makes travel there something only people above a certain means can afford, and the general attitude in the US that your worth is tied to your bank account, and you only end up even more entitled tourists.
Yet, all these foreign nations expect the US to supply troops on troubled nations, money for war torn countries, to keep terrorists at bay on foreign nations... Why not just split the cost and troops to all other nations in sharing the burden worldwide. This way, Americans can stop acting like it's the greatest country and mind it's own business... Unfortunately, by asking the US to step in, it's going to be difficult to let them let go of control. Or not (Afghanistan).
"Soldiers" that are trained to think clearly in life threatening situations shouldn't need saving from people saying some words to them lol. No crime is being committed and the copper is a boot licker. Next time hopefully they'll tell him to mind his own business and move along
@@chrismillar4474 I mean, considering boot licker is defined as "people who like the police" I'd assume he is one, yes. Nothing they did was illegal, sure, but he also didn't arrest them. You can be trespassed from public places for acting inappropriately.
People don't realise the guards are actual army soldiers, they aren't hired by a theatre company to act there, some of them have served in Afghanistan and other places and still carry the pain from that. You can see this in many documentries where you go through stories of people at the palaces, training grounds and overseas, I reccomend a watch.
@@queenvagabond8787 No, they are active soldiers. The soldiers serving as guards of the various palaces are regularly rotated from different regiments, and when they aren't serving as guards they are deployed as vanguard units in some of the hottest combat theatres the arny is operating in.
The ‘King’s Guard’ certainly are doing a job but they’re not doing it at Horse Guards, they are the five infantry regiments that guard Buckingham and St. James’ Palaces, Windsor Castle, The Tower of London and occasionally Holyrood. It’s ‘The King’s Life Guard’ that guard HG
@@j.ksmith7432 This isnt an infantry soldier he is one of the life guards, you can see by the white plume he is a royal life guard, the blues have a red plume. They arent always mounted on guard duty.
no idea what you mean by 'top serving'.. there is no such thing. You serve.. or you don't. simple. they deserve respect. I come from a military family myself - RAF and Royal Navy and was Police until I retired myself. If someone does';t respect the forces.. stay away from their installations and certainly do not disrespect them in this way. Its awful.
I mean, have you seen how the Americans treat their own vets? It's like - get them into the military young, toss them aside, don't give them the help they need and just let them become homeless once they stop "functioning". No wonder they disrespect other countries' soldiers. They always CLAIM to respect their own but it's mostly lip service. If they really respected them, they'd treat their vets better.
Disrespecting the kings guard on duty would be the equivalent to disrespecting the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier. The kings guard is not to be messed
I'd argue it's worse than that even. The unknown soldier is just that - an unknown soldier. The King's Guard are protecting a very real Royal Family. This Royal family has tens of millions of loyalists in Britain and Northern Ireland. I don't know how many people actually consider the Unknown Soldier on a day to day basis like those folks do. The unknown soldier guarding is symbolic. The royal family while yes - pretty symbolic, are alive and in need of real guarding. The unknown soldier guarding could literally be done by a CCTV camera and a fence, as it's mostly being guarded against vandalism/tourism getting too close to the relic. None of this is being said to besmirch the memory of the unknown soldier but they have been gone from this world since at least 1920. Though having just looked it up, it apparently has more than one soldier in there. More were added in 1958 and 1984.
People seem to forget these guardsmen are actually armed service men and women, they have served all over the world, its disgusting anyone thinks they can behave like this.
@@kevinhowells5810I can't believe how disrespectful so many people are thease days regardless of nationality. Not too long ago it seems, thease servicemen garnered automatic respect from the public, its a sad state of affairs when we need police to protect the royal guards from the public and protests, I thought this was Britain.
@@claregale9011 yes I totally agree with you but it's shameful I feel that our governments regardless of political leaning have allowed our country to be at risk in such a way.
@@smogthehorse9409 Please learn how to spell "these" and learn the difference between "it's" and "its." People from other countries will read your comment.
I'm from Germany and I'm definitely ashamed of these (and an incredible number of other!) tourists! The king's bodyguards, the mounted guards and the palace guards have to adhere to extremely strict rules and regulations and have a super strenuous job. It upsets me when tourists of any nation simply cannot manage to show even the slightest respect for the traditions of the country they are visiting! What the hell is so difficult about that? Do you have to shout "funny" things at the soldiers? Do you have to try to stroke the horses when there are signs right next to them forbidding exactly that? Do you have to try to take a selfie of yourself next to a royal guard? Can't you just let these people do their job in peace? Why is it so important to try to make the bodyguard laugh? And best of all: why are people outraged when there are harsh reactions to such disrespectful behavior? I just don't get it, I really don't... When I personally travel to a foreign country, I inform myself beforehand at least roughly about what is an absolute no-go in the respective country - and behave accordingly! I respect the fact that things that are completely normal for me in my own country may NOT be welcome in other countries! Out of respect for the people in a foreign country, I always learn at least a few common phrases in the local language - simply because I assume that the locals will be pleased ^^ Is it really so difficult to stick to the simplest rules of decency?
Agreed.I was rather sad when I realised that the average tourist from the USA just closes their eyes & jumps into the unknown. Which leads to a lot of misunderstanding - on both sides. I've not come across other travellers who, as a nation, don't try to find out about their destination. Especially in our technological age. At least find out what's considered polite and what isn't at your destination . And I rather think, that this comes across as arrogance to many? There's the implication that wherever we are, outside their country, we aren't worth bothering about. At least see what the local currency is? And maybe: - see if they have the death penalty for littering.😂😂
Actually members of the public aren't forbidden to touch the horses, just their tack (bridles, saddles, cinches etc.), the signs are just cautioning people that some of the horses bite or kick & sometimes they act up & prance about.
@@cireenasimcox1081Yes, exactly - for me it comes across as absolutely arrogant when tourists act as if they were the navel of the world and it simply doesn't occur to them that their behavior might be undesirable and considered rude in their vacation destination... And indeed, I have observed and experienced this behavior mostly with Americans - I'm really sorry to have to say that ^^
As an Englishman myself, I have briefly looked through the commets and as I haven't seen an answer to your question (sorry if has been answered already), I will answer. Standard police officers as you may know already are mainly unarmed, with the most dangerous weapon they carry being a taser, however armed officers as seen in the video generally carry sub machine guns and rifles as standard. There aren't as much need for armed officers in England as in other countries, but when they are needed, they are prepared for most situations. Most of these armed units do not go on patrol with these weapons and are only equiped in such a way when needed. You only see armed officers patrolling particular events and places such as royal and ceremonial areas. I hope this helps and if anyone knows differently, please correct me, but this is what I currently understand happens.
The armed police also get deployed in transport hubs such as major train stations when there's a high risk of a terror attack or a major event happening in the city, along with mounted police in the city centre.
Just to add to that im from london born and bred and we do have armed patrols regularly in certain areas with increased gang activity. Squads like SO19 and Trident in which they patrol daily in marked and unmarked BMW X5s. But like as you said, armed police are more present at central london hotspots, highend shopping districts and monuments.
Prepared? The Flying Squad managed to confuse a chap who worked for me with a bank robber on the run. They dragged him out of a car in the Cromwell Road and shot him six times. and didn't manage to kill him thankfully. The Flying Squad then set about blackening his name at every turn to justify their ridiculous mistakes. The Flying Squad are a bunch of arseholes basically. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shooting_of_Stephen_Waldorf
There are already multiple clips of tourists jumping the rails at Arlington’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and being ordered to go back repeatedly. Americans don’t even respect their own soldiers.
Happens every day at the 9/11 Memorial Pools in NYC. I don't know how people can even take smiling selfies with those fountains as a backdrop. Whilst not as extreme as these tourists or disrespecting the Sentinel Guards at Arlington, it's still inappropriate.
@@jonathanlandau-litewski7405 U would be surprised, how often tourists, often Americans, but not always, have to be chased of "funning" around and jumping from pillar to pillar at the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin. A few years ago a couple of American guys even got arrested, coz they thought, it was funny using the Holocaust Memorial to do a lot of selfies with Nazi salutes and yelling "Sieg Heil". Now Nazi symbols are illegal in Germany, u could get in trouble for that anywhere in Germany. But doing it at a Holocaust Memorial??? They were so offensive and so in breach of the law, that they shouldve gotten hefty fines and possibly more, but when the police realised, they werent actual Nazi believers, but braindead Americans, they gave them a real serious talk and then released them. Didnt hear anything more, so I assume, they at least kept their disrespectful crap to themselves until after leaving Germany. Sadly, a lot of tourists do not show any respect to the countries and cultures, they visit. Its by no means only Americans, but Americans do seem to take it to another level, often combined with the attitude, that theyre Americans, so they can do, whatever they want, and every1 else have to conform to them, not the other way around. Up to and including many Americans believing, that they are entitled to special service, cutting in front of lines and, yes, that local laws dont apply to them. Coz theyre Americans. Not all Americans are like that, but enough are, that that is the reputation of American tourists.
@@jonathanlandau-litewski7405 I mean, there's people (Americans among them) taking smiling and outright goofy selfies at friggin' AUSCHWITZ, so I'm not surprised ...
My daughter's American friend from Iowa, came to the UK for six months a few years back. In the months before his stay, we all chatted for hours over video chats, us telling him things he should expect to see here. We also told him the dos and don'ts of living here too. We told him that in general, our police don't carry firearms, but they do carry tasers, sprays, etc. When he arrived at Heathrow, he commented on the fact that, for a country that is famous for their police not to carry firearms, when we do, we REALLY do! He said that he was really shocked to see not only armed police at the airport but instead of just having a side arm, as cop do in the US, we had semi automatics! And that when we do armed police, we don't do it half! Tourists do seem to forget that these fancily dressed guards are active soldiers. Don't let their uniforms fool you, they're trained to protect this country the same as anyone else's soldiers. And as for that kid, would he have shown the same disrespect for the US soldiers guarding the grave of the Unknown Soldier, too? Or the Swiss Guards at the Vatican? If not, why not? They're all soldiers doing their duty, whether they're here, there, or wherever, and need to be respected.
I hope you told him this land has been subject to murderous terrorists attacks. THAT is why airport police and at other locations are armed in that way. 'Fancy dressed guards'? are you being serious there? how disrespectful to put that here.
@ktgame2640 Well, there you go, chalk one up to the girl, whose only interaction with a firearm of any description, outside of a funfair and a friends air-rifle, was when I was 17, in the police station in Amsterdam, reporting my stolen purse. As the uniformed officer was taking my statement, sitting at a desk behind this big plain clothed guy, who up to this point had said nothing, just sat back quietly listening while my mum and I spoke . He must have been someone in charge because, as we sat there, there was a knock at the door, and in walks, another uniformed officer, and started speaking in Dutch to the big guy. I look up at him, them my eyes drift down, looking at his uniform, and I see a gun. As I said, part from seeing rifles, the only pistol I'd ever seen was in tv and movies. So, while the office bang away on his 1989 keyboard, Mum and I were waiting for him to catch up and ask the next question, I nudged my mum and nodded towards the officer standing next to our chairs, leaning on the door frame, still chatting to the big guy. Unaware thst they had seen me nudge my mum, we looked around to see the officer immediately check to see if his fly was open! As Mum and I were both saying at the same time, no, it's the gun! At which point the big guy, who still hasn't said anything to us, very serious expression across his face, even when this offer comes in, absolutely rolls with laughter at his officers mistake. As he starts laughing, Mum and I were still spluttering through our explanation about not seeing a gun before, that our police don't have the etc. Which only made the boss laugh more at his officer's mistake. 😁🤦♀️ So, yeah, the only things I know about make/ model/designation is that their either big rifle types or small hand types! 😉😁
@mariahoulihan9483 when I said about the guards, I didn't mean as a Fancy Dress costume, I meant, as I've now changed it, that they look all smart and fancy in their red uniforms, their bearskin hats, or the horse hair helmets that the horseguards wear. A lot of tourists see them dressed like that and forget that they are professional soldiers. Some mistakenly think that they're just there to take pictures of, rather than actually being real soldiers guarding.
@@timberwolf5211 I don't blame tourists though, the uniforms aren't intimidating and at this point they're just traditional homage that the royal family can't be asked to change. Not to mention they don't seem to care to much and never really have for the guards, they probably get good pay but to sit in those suits all year round even in summer, I'd bloody boil, it's downright cruel and isn't right that they don't even have a thinner uniform unlike the armed guards who can just take off their jackets and wear the padded (bulletproof) vests which are a lot cooler than the getup those others guards wear. At this point they're honestly just decorative guardsmen and it's no wonder the tourists joke about them so much but they are still human and people should have the decency to treat them as such.
The worst part is how most tourists seem to think the Royal Guard is just a decorative function, but these are all actual soldiers. They've gone through training, and many of them have been deployed, too, and they're just standing there being ridiculed by disrespectful tourists all day. They may look decorative, but they are anything but.
Worked with a guy who used to be in the queen's guard now kings guard, he'd done tours in Iraq like all other members. He'd watched friends die and although he never talked about having mental problems from his time there, it was pretty obvious it had taken a huge toll on him. For people to disrespect them is fucking shameful.
Not that I believe that their outfit would be helpful in a dangerous situation, but I do not doubt for a minute that they know what to do. My country has not been to war for quite some time, so our soldiers are not war-hardened, but they are also trained soldiers.
@@mademoiselledusfonctionell1609 Actually we have British soldiers in Ukraine and many killed, . 2000 French soldiers sent home in body bags. This has been kept secret from the British public so as not to start riots and protests. NATO troops are very much a presence in Ukraine against the Russians- and a re getting slaughtered daily by the Russians. This is being kept quiet until late July or August according to MP. Andrew Bridgen
It happens every day in Germany that American tourists make fun of Germans! Recently in Hamburg I saw Americans laughing at German firefighters who were on duty at a car accident! I wonder why Americans travel abroad at all if they think other countries and non-Americans are ridiculous!
Of course they think that every country is ridiculous because they are under the impression that Americans are superior to every other country. Unfortunately there are many, many ways that Americans are inferior to the rest of the world.
I've heard lots of complaints on social media about Germans daring to speak German in Germany (even one claiming that as US troops are situated in Germany all Germans should speak English so they don't have to learn German) along with claims Spain can't exist because Spanish is an American language
I feel awkward replying to a German person but I agree as.. we do have Auschwitz in Poland. Some American tourists come to visit like it's Disneyland, selfies etc. WTF! The whole of Europe learned from this and I think never would repeat it, why can't they? They are so proud of 'rescuing' allies. Get a grip people.
As a proud Londoner, it infuriates me when ignorant tourists, often American, heckle, troll and taunt our Royal Guards. They may be ceremonial roles but they are occupied by real soldiers. Please don't come to our country and mock our history. It's disrespectful and insulting.
If you go to the White House in Washington and heckle, troll and taunt the police there, if you're wearing the correct clothing and a Trump baseball hat, they let you in for a look around when you can trash the place and then blame it on someone else!
well america was simply given their country by oh yes thats right the british they didnt win it, perhaps they should remember that and should be taught such in school instead of the brainwashing garbage of believing they are the greatest,
@@paulkelk5142 Yes, true! But I guess people DO act like that at Arlington Cemetery or other famous 'Memorials'. I was once in France where there are many thousands of War Graves and there were children running around playing cops and robbers with parents joining in!
I'd just like to add a couple of points: 1. The overwhelming majority of American tourists I encounter here in London are delightful people, regardless of idiosyncrasies, and couldn't be more welcome. These jerks are conspicuous, but not typical, and it's hard to imagine them being welcome at home either. 2. Some British tourists to continental Europe also embarrass themselves so badly that their hosts dread their arrival. Being obnoxious is not any nation's characteristic, and we should all be grateful that it tends to apply to a minority and use it as a lesson for how we behave whenever we travel.
A lot of tourists are like a plague, seems they can't understand that what they're seeing is not a show for them, but the real life of a lot of people. They are disrespectful of everything, just think the two british idiots who carved their names on the Colosseum (it is a crime punishable by up to 5 years in prison) or the bunch of tourists who think that the Trevi fountain is a pool. This is universal, every country has stupid tourists of every nationality. In Latin the word "hospes, -ĭtis" means both host and guest, that's because they should respect the same rules of courtesy.
1:that’s part of Buckingham palace 2:most if not all uk cities now have heavily armed police officers they have been growing with every terror attack the uk has faced 3: there are some armed police outside cities that just carry a glock but their carbine is locked in the trunk of the car. I met a cop at Mac Donald’s once who had a handgun never seen a armed policeman in my town so I asked him turns out multiple police have access to guns but keep them locked in the cars for emergency however metropolitan police (London etc) all meet a counter terrorism standard
I worked in the USA for five years, and you would be surprised at just how loud and obnoxious some Brits are when they are in another country. In general, both British and American tourists are respectful of the rule of law of whichever country they visit. but there will always be the hard core of nationals who think that the can flout the laws or rules of whichever country they are visiting, Then when they are imprisoned they cry for the Consulate to "Rescue" them.
Reverse the situation, how would the same Americans react if we sent a bunch of 'skinheads' over to the tomb of the unknown soldier in Washington, and they called the guard a 'Yankee-doodle'? Respect should be paid to anyone willing to serve their country - and thought should be given to the amount of discipline and self control that these ceremonial guards have to show in performing their duties.
@@havocmwf no , a couple of weeks ago my mum dropped £20 by the cashmachine, to her surprise 2 skinhead looking guys picked it up and gave it back to her. I doubt the girls in the video would have done the same.
I agree, IF they are americans, they should go try the same at the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier and see what happens......I know what happens if you do this to the Queens Guard in Copenhagen...
I am a patriotic Englishman, you seem a decent guy Ryan. Just a quick story for you though. When in America once, i took a girl out in Boston, who was studying at Harvard, she asked me "So, why did you guys invade the Falkland Islands and take them off Argentina in 1982"? I replied as politely as i could that she may be mistaken in her modern history, she retorted that anyone in the diner we were in would agree with her!? I changed the subject. Im afraid i found this `history knowledge` whilst i was in New York and Boston pretty standard. Also the old `we`d be talking German if it wasnt for America` ignorance. I found it quite frightening that a large, powerful country like the US still believes stuff like this. But thanks for your politeness and all the best.
Yup, the world is pretty f'd up. Only way out of that is to fully join up...1 language, no religion, etc. Not a bad idea when you think about it, and no, nothing to do with 'communism' stereotypes. Unfortunately, we're too f'd up to remotely entertain that.
I worked on a student scheme some years ago whereby I could work in a summer camp for a small fee and have six weeks to myself thereafter. Pan Am flights paid for. Great when you're 18. I was shocked at some of the things I heard from 12-15 year old kids: "Is Spain in South America?", Is England part of London?, Is the UK near to Canada?
What some tourists seem to be unable to comprehend is that a). These are real soldiers on duty and not actors in fancy dress. b). They would be there even if there were no tourists, and c). It’s not part of some Disneyland type of attraction. You’d think, especially when they are there as part of an organised tour, with a guide, they’d have been aware of how they needed to behave before they even got there. Any business, that continually failed to control members of their group, should be banned.
The armed police man was very firm, yet polite. Not a single swear word. Just expressed this behaviour would not be tolerated and sent them packing. :)
The area they are in is a military zone. The public are permitted to enter but that permission is withdrawn if disrespect is shown to the serving soldiers on ceremonial duty.
You are the ONLY American I know that openly and unapologetically criticizes his fellow Americans/his country. Surely one can love one's country and voice justified criticism. Thank you for your courage.
Hi Ryan. These are the Ministry of Defence Police at Horse Guards. Whitehall, London. They also police just across the street at the Ministry of Defence main building. Just down the street is the entrance to Downing Street, that is policed my the Metropolitan Police. This are of London is referred to as The GSZ, which stands for the Government Security Zone. It covers all the government buildings, including Parliament. Department of Health, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, The Treasury etc etc.
My former workmate was a Grenadier Guard (one of the royal guards who wear the red tunic, big bearskin busby hat, and chest full of Afghan & Iraq medals) and said the worst part about being on the Ceremonial Guard was heckling foreign tourists.
This duty must be starting to feel more like punishment than an honour, with the flagrant disrespect people are exhibiting. Perhaps the Guards need to have an emergency button handy on their person (do they already?), to get these folk out of their face or personal space quick smart. No one should have to endure that.
i would not disrepect the honor guard in my country, why would i do it in other country? i dont get why people can be so stupide :( it's a hard work to do, just hope theme a good day and go elsewhare
and also normal people dont understand what it takes to just stand still for along time and not moving at all... i personaly can feel that (German army) in big Apells we do .. thats just an hour or so... these guards have to stand much longer... they have my biggest respect
@@Kayenne54 I was only thinking today watching a full episode, that they should have a secret emergency button. Sometimes you can see the guards eyes moving to see if anyone in charge is around when things get way out of hand. And those poor horses touched and patted non stop when on duty - I think I’d bite a person or two if I was a horse lol.
Did he have to heckle foreign tourists, though, or was that what he wanted to do....? 😏 Sorry.... couldn't resist! I am sure that knowing that he is part of the prime regiments of the best army in the world will help him ignore such pip-squeaks.
For reference: The guard in red is part of the palace guard. They have a long tradition - and standing order - not to let themselves be distracted by civilians' antics; they are there to react to terrorists and assassins and NOT BE DISTRACTED. So of course some tourists see it as their 'duty' to try to distract them from a really serious job (same as the secret service, or at least the visible part of the secret service.). It's not unusual for tourists to behave like that, but that doesn't make it any better when they do.
Hi Ryan, the location is called Horseguards, it was the headquarters of the army in the 18th and 19th century, just the other side of the building is the large square called Horseguards Parade, where they hold the Trooping the Colour ceremony for the Kings birthday. The police are not regular London officers, they are MOD Police, civilian, but usually ex-military, who guard any Ministry of Defence property that's deemed sensitive or high risk, all MOD officers have to have a certification for firearms.
@Dibley8899plus all officers hold what is known as a warrant card. This gives them power of arrest even off duty. There are other specialist police forces that are typically always armed, including the ones that guard nuclear facilities and transport of nuclear materials. The transport police will also typically have armed officers at major railway stations as well as airports.
These guys are our elite soldiers not Disneyland cartoon characters. As has been said, the location is Horse Guards which originally formed the entrance to St. James's Palace. It continues to be protected, ceremonially, by these 1st class soldiers. The standard issue police weapons are H&K MP5 or H&K G36 both configured for single fire. Sidearm is usually a Glock17 Don't mess with either guy. They really don't appreciate it. 💪🇬🇧
Standard Armed Police equipment varies by force, as in the US, but generally consists of a Rifle or SMG (Usually a G36 or MP5), a sidearm (Usually a Glock 17), Tazer, Pepper Spray and a Baton. Generally, outside of emergency firearms response, armed police are only found guarding important non-military locations such as government offices, airports, Royal buildings (Supporting the Royal Guard) and on protection details for ministers and the like.
American or not american, it is sooo disrespectful to say things like ,,I would shoot my self'' like in that first video...This is unacceptable beahviour. Poor guard.
It’s Horse Guards in Whitehall - literally round the corner from Downing Street. And yes, police officers in the U.K. are either armed with a sub-machine gun and a pistol or not at all.
I saw a group of young American men being really disrespectful to one one of these guards. I think it's disgraceful to treat a working soldier like that. ☮️
@@chrismillar4474 Then why are they going near them? Do they want to end up in jail or with fines? Is being rude towards someone doing profession you don't like accepted practice in your neighbourhood?
I can imagine. Why are ppl doing that..respectless! I am going there in 3 Weeks or so. Just be polite. Is it ok to make a Picture..a normal one or is it actually not allowed?
It constantly astounds me how infantilised supposed adults become when outside of their normal environment. This doesn't just apply to tourists to the UK, but British holidaymakers when they go abroad. I can't understand why they imagine what's generally considered obnoxious behaviour at home is somehow acceptable elsewhere.
I guess the reason is the following: At home they only behave because they are afraid somebody who knows them could watch their misbehaving. As soon as they are in a foreign country the say "oh, nobody knows me here, so I can be the idiot I really am!" and there they go...!
I think many people have a feeling of being forced into a mold, having to function like cogs in a gear during their daily lives for thei work, family or other responsibilities, and of course vacations serve as a way to temporarily escape that - a bit like the carnival days of old where it was suddenly ok to mock everyone for a few days. However, of course: when going there, the locals you meet are in their everyday lives, they do have to play their roles and are in that frustrating situation you just escaped from, so that's a highly asymmetrical (and potentially escalating) thing if you decide on mocking them. So the smarter idea is: if you have to, just take the piss out of other tourists and leave the locals alone.
There is a great video of people getting too close to one of the guards, they yell and stamp their feet, in shock the idiots more away. In one of them, there is a father help his disabled child get in the frame for a picture, and dad is telling him not to get to close. Then unexpectely, the guard without any change in facial expression, takes two side steps so that the child is actually next to the guard for the photo. The dad is stunned I think, and when the picture taking is finished, the guard takes two steps in the opposite direction so they end up in the same spot.
Not sure if those tourists were American but they obviously were lost in all the fun they were having, that they forgot to show respect to the Guards, .. at Horse Guards Parade in Westminster, Greater London, UK, ..
I've seen tons of these 'messing with the royal guard' videos, and it isn't just Americans who do it. Nobody should do it. The kid has an important job to do. These are a bunch of giddy girls, showing out for a fella in a super-duper cool uniform. I also heard German being spoken. These weren't all Yanks.
@@sovereignjoe5730 Neither of the two groups were Americans. First group was Israelis and second group attend Samiad international school in the UK. The Samiad School is for non English speaking students to learn English. The vast majority of students are Europeans, Middle Eastern and Asian. Hope that helps ya about them. As a 52 year old man myself that’s worked all over the world and has been to 30 plus countries myself. I was always told as a kid when traveling that I was a representative of my country, and I better not embarrass my family, my country, or my host
@@srice8959 Thank you for your clarity, I guessed the first group were Jewish women, egged on by a man, but Sherlock WAS a Jew, who wanted his "pound of flesh"..Maybe should've shouted "Shakespear" lol
This is at Horseguard's Parade in London. Yeah armed police here really are heavily armed. But in that part of London - Whitehall - you are so close to so many important places like Downing Street, Parliament and numerous government offices.
These are MoD police - Ministry of Defence, one of the several non-home office forces. I serve in the Met as a non-firearms officer... the percentage of firearms officers is tiny on the whole.
I just don't understand these tourists. These are soldiers who have seen combat in several war zones and have medals. While they are on guard duty, if they respond to provocation, they will be put in military prison as a punishment. There is so much to see and do in London, how can you spend more than five minutes photographing/videoing soldiers on ceremonial duties?
The location in both clips is the courtyard in Horseguards Parade in Whitehall. You may hear other accents in the background because the courtyard is an enclosed space and sound echoes. At busy times there can be a couple of hundred people in there. Americans are probably surprised at how many of our police are armed. And as you say, they don't mess around, they are very heavily armed.
Reminder that all those guards around importants places of London are soldiers in active duty, they have been selected for those jobs (if I remember it may even be a reward, certainly not a punishment).This mean they can and will use their weapon (it's a real one) if they are threatened. And the reason you see a chain in the first video is because tourists being nuisance to those soldiers just doing their duty. The reason there are policemen around them is that the Guards have a highly ritualized way to warn people that tourist may not understand, such as stomping. And obviously there are increased risks those days that the traditionnal number of Guards can't deal with; in addition to soldiers not being really trained to deal with tourist crowds the way a policeman can.
I bet some people think about the swiss guard also that they only for photos, but they have trained in our country as soldiers and a protecting the pope.
💂♂️ Basically it's a game for people from Any countrty and also some of our own people from UK to try to make the guards laugh, or get angry, or just get any reaction from them. But they're on duty and they are all actually real soldiers. Also if they laugh etc they can lose a months pay, or lose their post, so it's very important not to bother them.
It is important for tourists to recognize that the guards protecting the king are not merely decorative figures, but highly trained soldiers who deserve to be treated with the utmost respect.
The problem is that some (many) tourists see the world outside of their dwellings as a huge Disneyworld: what they see is everyday, ordinary life but they think that it's a show for their entertainment! These guards are not there for tourists to take selfies, but to protect the King of England!
Why do you say "King of England"? England is just one Nation within the UK. Charles III is King of the United Kingdom and the 14 other Commonwealth realms.
Visited the Kiel memorial with the eternal flame for all the sailors that died during ww2, the only people that let their kids run around the mausoleum screaming were americans. I'd love to see some one try that at the tomb of the unknown soldier and get away with it, which of course you wouldn't and rightly so. Just show some respect.
these arent the every day police, they are Ministry of Defense Police - this is at Horse Guards which is a military establishment. The guards, that regiment is the King's Life Guards. They are active soldiers, yes at the moment they are performing ceremonial duties but they are and do serve in the field. If you want to see more like these check out London City Walks. I recognise the narrators voice, thats Buska in the Park
From the 2nd clip - 'Team Samiad' is a weekly summer school for international students wanting to learn and develop their English skills. They failed to educate some of their group for this visit, though.
And the first group was a group of Jewish Israelis. The video of the Israelis are a couple years old. The thing I hate is none of the people in those 2 videos are even Americans, but because of the amount of xenophobia that people have towards Americans. Every one will just belittle its Americans and helps people to justify their xenophobia about Americans as true. It happens quite often, and it’s sad because most Americans don’t act like this and because of the few that do and the ones who aren’t American just makes us look worse. Where it’s almost a self fulfilling prophecy
Well I judged them unfairly. I thought the wrong-way freeway drivers in Phoenix were British, but they were all Mexicans. I guess Mexicans think they're British when they're drunk.
As an ex British serviceman this would some idiot from the UK being disrespectful somewhere like Arlington Cemetery, regardless of where you come from a little respect and courtesy costs nothing
Dude! They were totally flirting with that guard in the bad-ass uniform. This wasn't the Cenotaph, but everyone does need to be respectful and give these guys enough room to do their jobs.
neither of the two groups in the video’s are American. The first are Israeli and the second are students at the Samiad international University located in the UK, and it’s for non English speaking students to learn how to speak English. The majority of the students are European, Middle Eastern, and Asian
Not just the Americans buddy, tourists as a whole are a ballache when your on guard. Had to scream and point my bayonet at many during my 12 years of service. Lots believe they are purely ceremonial, but they are active soldiers ready to deploy when needed. I served in Northern Ireland, Iraq (Op Granby) and Bosnia. Ex Coldstream Guards 💂♂️🇬🇧 " Nulli Secundus "
@@jackcrofts-mullin461 Respect to you for that as I'm sure you saw the Guards quite regularly on your travels around London. Cheers for your comment, enjoy the rest of your weekend!!
This is not at the Tower of London it is at the Horseguards, at the entrance to Buckingham Palace. It is not a monumental type place, it is a working type place. The soldiers there are on duty as they are at places like the Pentagon. The British allow entrance to tourists and sightseers out of courtesy and expect it in return. This is not a Hollywood film set.
Never heard of you before Ryan or seen your channel until now... loved this reaction video, you aearned yourself another subscriber. You were genuinely seem like a respectful and great guy! I served 7 years and got out about 4 years ago, loved every minute. Thanks from across the pond. 🇬🇧
Armed police in the UK are equipped with a taser for non lethal, either a Glock 17 (most common) or Walther P99 as a side arm and they either use a H&K MP5SF or the H&K G36C as the main carry.
As far as I know the British police don't carry the MP5 any more, they moved over the 5.56mm rifle a while back. I had a chance to chat to an on-duty armed officer at an event after I noted that the ammo in the transparent magazine he was equipped with had a hollow-point bullet. It's probably specifically tailored for the short-barrel carbine, with more stopping power than the Plus-P 9mm round they used in the MP5.
@@robertsneddon731 Yep, British Armed Police generally don't carry MP5s anymore, However every armed police forces' Chief is responsible for the armoury and what is in it, so there are still a few constabularies where it is used if my memory serves me correctly
And let's not forget these guys were attacked in a terror incident in the 80s 4 soliders killed and 5 or 6 horses so they are very much under armed guard .
The terrorist attack was in 1982 and there were 11 soldiers killed and another 51 people injured when the IRA denoted two bombs. 7 horses died and others were badly injured in the nail bomb attack, the culprit was caught and charged on 4 counts of murder but the case was thrown out of court, he got off scot free.
@@claregale9011 probably through fear of other attacks from the Irish, sure most convicted IRA criminals were released from prison after only serving a few months or years of their life sentences.
Armed Metropolitan Police usually armed with Heckler & Koch 9mm semi or fully automatic weapons along with Glock 19 sidearms, tasers, pepper spray and batons. The location is Horse Guards Parade off Whitehall which is just a few hundred metres from Downing Street [residence to the British PM] and within a kilometre of the Houses of Parliament
The armed police are there to protect The King's Guards, a few years ago a soldier called Lee Rigby was attacked and beheaded on his way to his barracks. This location is Horse Guards Parade and there's a barracks there.
This area is Horse Guards parade which is part of the Ministry of Defense. The police are Ministry of Defense police who are armed, unlike the London Metropolitan Police.
You are incorrect. Those armed officers are Met Police. You will see that level of weapons held by the Met Police in all major rain stations and tourist areas. A significant number of Met Officers are armed.
The building here is actually Horse Guards, which, as well as its historic importance, is in Whitehall, at the heart of the British Government's offices. This is why the police are heavily armed and very vigilant, because it is a prime terrorist target. There will be more armed officers around, in plain clothes, mixing with the tourists.
rifles are Heckler & Koch G36 and in 1st video he states if it carries on I will ask you to leave they were not removed straight away it was their choice
All for his Tik Tok likes …. 😏😡 but I bet that nasty and imbecilic child won’t be returning to HorseGuards to complete his “action shots” - the person who filmed him and shouted at him will recognise him instantly, and on his head be it, if the numpty insults the Guard again! (Would be really funny to witness though 😄)
@@susanshadrake6193 that’s the one! - 😂- serves him right and he got what he deserved - insulting a King’s Guard, annoying that poor horse and making a total wombat of himself, because he is “making money” getting “likes and “ from ThickTwat viewers!
This is basically the same as disrespecting the US presidential guard, the royal guards are actual soldiers, they have served our country, most have been in combat and have seen the horrors of war, the last thing they want is to be treated like this when they return home and are deployed to the royal guards. And yes the guns the royal guards are armed with assault rifles, and whilst not always loaded they keep a loaded magazine just in case, and that bayonet is real and will ruin your day. If you hear make way for the king's guard! for the love of god, get out of their way! They will not hesitate to push you out of their way regardless if you're elderly, a child, disabled, pregnant or an entitled American.
these armed ploice are highly trained, they dont just go through 6 months police school and they are given a gun, there training is constant, even taulght by the milatry, on how to clear houses, and all that sort of stuff, they are trained, should they need to discharge a weapon, its one shot, when the suspect goes down, they then render first aid, not unload two clips, wait 15 minute for your ambulance, and stand there watching a man die,
@@george-ev1dq They are trained to clear buildings, though - including at Hereford. Their primary roles include protecting nuclear establishments and places like Porton Down.
The primary role of the MoD Police is to provide armed policing throughout the defence estate in the UK. They are a civilian police force, much like the British Transport Police who Police the rail transport infrastructure. Like all police forces in the UK they have been subjected to stringent cuts since 2010 and are now a much reduced force. In 1979, they were the fourth largest police force in England the Met, West Midlands, and Greater Manchester police were larger. They are now one of the smallest. This reflects the levels of Defence cuts during the 80' under the Thatcher government and more since 2010.
Just so you know Ryan, the rifle is a Heckler Koch assault rifle, the pistol is a Gloch 9mm, and the yellow "pistol" is a 50,000 volt tazer (with two load outs). They also carry pepper spray, a Skorpion batton, and cuffs. Yep they are well armed, and they are not as patient as some of the American cops I've seen on youtube, normally 3 strikes and you're out!.
Sorry to bother you but I have seen a couple of Police Men with what looks like a Yellow rope on their back, it's looped up like the release cord of a parachute. The Police man in the second video has one of those ropes on the Left side of his back. Do you know what they are for? / B.
@@mbo191 I didn't notice that on the video but it sounds like it would be to secure one of the weapons, ie. stretches out enough that he can draw it but not enough that someone can take it off him. I know UK police have these, so I'm assuming that is what you saw.
@@nlwilson4892 - Ok, that might be it. Another detail that should be noticed is that when the Police men and women give instructions and point at something (or indicate a direction) they always do it with the Left arm/hand. They always hold the H&K in a firm grip with the Right hand, they never let go of that. Cheers / B.
@@ktgame2640you know what he meant. If we wanna get pedantic, it's a Glock 17 or 17M. With An H&K G36C or and H&K MP5. I forget which version of MP5 though. In specialised cases an H&K G3-SG1 or PSG1. Only in the Met police. Other areas use different weapons. Precise enough for you?
03:05 I know it's not true for you all, I have some wonderful American friends, but "obnoxious and annoying" are instantly what most people who aren't Americans think when they see an American. I'm English originally, but I've travelled the world and I've now settled, married, and taken citizenship in Spain. I live near a US naval base and I've had to report, several times, the behaviour of Americans when off base to the base command. I've had to pull them up when I've heard them being openly racist and mocking the servers at restaurants because they think they don't understand English, being intentionally difficult with employees in shops, don't get me started on their behaviour in bars when drink is involved. None of them expect to be dressed down by an angry, middle aged English teacher who speaks 4 languages fluently and knows the number of their base relations office by heart!
Im proud to be one of the many Americans who take their visits overseas 100% seriously! And I'm proud to be an American, not banned from going back to Great Brittain, unlike the arsholes who is still missing.
I've met several American tourists in London and I agree, they've been wonderful and a credit to your nation. I had the privilege of visting New York and I have to tell you, I think it's the best place on Earth! One day hopefully I can return. Stay great my American friends! Xx
Nice to see you using "arsehole" rather than the politer American donkey related one (we'll get you saying "zed" next). 😉 The thing about vids like these are they are capturing the minority that don't know how to behave in public, most people are mostly the same polite and respectful folk, wherever they come from, but we all have our embarrassing jam roles that become twice as annoying and embarrassing when they (inevitably) start playing up abroad. What tourists don't realise here though is that these are functioning military bases and those soldiers themselves are armed and licensed to use any force they deem fit to protect those premises and occupants, they are also top drawer long serving professionals most battle hardened, many through multiple engagements.
it's like everything, there's good and bad everywhere and it's always the bad that get highlighted and the good that get the abuse for it. we all know there are idiots, the only thing I would say with the American version is they tend to be louder than most so stand out more. I have american friends who wouldn't dream of being like these guys and I was respectful when I went to the US.
I was just there last week, on that same corner- it's behind St James Park and 10 Downing. Had a great conversation with these armed guards and they are incredible in keeping that area protected. As an American, I apologized in advance for any shenanigans my fellow countrymen try to pull.
A lot of people have pointed out that these guards are actually serving soldiers and many have seen action in Afghanistan etc but just to be clear... they did not go to war in bright red uniforms :-) This is a ceremonial uniform purely for this task and when they are at war they will be in proper camo etc. The same applies to the guards in overcoats and tall furry hats you might see at Buckingham Palace. They are normal soldiers whose regiment has been given the honour of sending some of their members to take a rotation as palace guards. Even the very ornate 'Beefeaters' you see at the Tower Of London are decorated retired soldiers.
Dude, tourists in general can be obnoxious and cause trouble. We’re certainly not immune from it ourselves. This isn’t just an American thing. You’re still our bros across the pond 🇬🇧 🇺🇸
I hear there are quite a lot of Brits in Prague on stagdos wearing funny costumes like dressing up as a penis. They have even passed a law banning these costumes on the streets of Prague specifically because of the Brits😂
So this is Horse Guard parade staffed by serving soldiers at the front usually two are on horses throughout the day. The armed police are there to assist the soldiers and to maintain the safety and prevent a terrorist incident, at the tower of London you have what is known as the beefeaters who are former military personnel who are selected for this role due to their excellent service record and they are not armed but have the ability to obtain armes if needed as well as police back up. Hope this makes sense and is helpful
@@artistjoh I think asking the British to be on their best behaviour in the Whitehouse is probably too much to ask, we did afterall take it and burn it down back in 1812 was it?
Now just imagine how the only American in this video is the guy reacting to it. Because neither of the two groups in the video’s are American. The first are Israeli and the second are students at the Samiad international University located in the UK, and it’s for non English speaking students to learn how to speak English. The majority of the students are European, Middle Eastern, and Asian
Some of these tourists don’t realise these soldiers are still serving in elite regiments and not hired from some theatrical agency
Respectless! Why are they doing that?
@@teckz0r what?😂
@@teckz0r They look less like a joke when they are in action and not guarding the king, there are videos about the regiments that rotate on this duty, and they are all real soldiers, you should maybe watch some of them.
@@teckz0r Just because they wear a "funny" uniform and their discipline requires them to stay stoic makes them looks like a joke?
It doesn’t actually matter who they are though, nobody should be mocked like that.
I'm a retired British soldier. This is at Horseguards, it is the ceremonial entrance to Buckingham Palace, it is also the HQ of the Household Brigade & a military establishment. The Police are Ministry of Defence Police. They are armed with Heckler Koch sub machine guns & a Glock 17 side arm. Most of these cops are ex soldiers. The soldiers war fighting role is light reconnaissance tanks. Their regiment is the most senior unit in our army. The Kings body guard
Mostly right it is Horse Guards. But this is the rear side to the parade ground where Trooping the colour (the kings birthday brigade) takes place, Buckingham Palace is on the opposite side of St James Park and is usually, guarded by the Foot Guards of either, The Grenadier, Coldstream, Scots, Welsh or Irish Guards..
theses arent the hk mp5 or mp7 these are the sig sauer sig516 and the handgun while yes a glock it could also be the glock 19 as the 2 are almost indistinguishable until drawn
@@MrrR-iw2iv dude he knows what they are carrying as it used to be his Job. Im pretty sure he recognizes his old workplace😂
The most senior troops are Kings troop, Royal horse artillery. The guns go first, after the Navy.
Thank you for serving and thank you for putting some info out there for others to learn from.
Dear americans: this is not Disneyland. Our palaces are real. The soldiers guarding them are real.
Americans consider other countries inferior.
Taught all thier lives America is the greatest country in the world ever.
The sense of entitlement is amazing.
Add the fact that the US is separated from Europe by an ocean, which makes travel there something only people above a certain means can afford, and the general attitude in the US that your worth is tied to your bank account, and you only end up even more entitled tourists.
Yeah, it's pathetic. But Trump has inadvertently pulled the curtain back and put all the bigotry and corruption on full display.
Yet, all these foreign nations expect the US to supply troops on troubled nations, money for war torn countries, to keep terrorists at bay on foreign nations... Why not just split the cost and troops to all other nations in sharing the burden worldwide. This way, Americans can stop acting like it's the greatest country and mind it's own business... Unfortunately, by asking the US to step in, it's going to be difficult to let them let go of control. Or not (Afghanistan).
It USED to be but not any more 😮
Yes these days the word American is no longer a compliment
Tourists think these guards are just there for photos,they are active soldiers and we don't like tourists disrespecting our Kings Guards.
This 👆🏻
Well said 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
I would never think of disrespecting any worker diligent at their jobs. I find that admirable, not objects of derision. 🇨🇦
"Soldiers" that are trained to think clearly in life threatening situations shouldn't need saving from people saying some words to them lol. No crime is being committed and the copper is a boot licker. Next time hopefully they'll tell him to mind his own business and move along
@@chrismillar4474 I mean, considering boot licker is defined as "people who like the police" I'd assume he is one, yes. Nothing they did was illegal, sure, but he also didn't arrest them. You can be trespassed from public places for acting inappropriately.
People don't realise the guards are actual army soldiers, they aren't hired by a theatre company to act there, some of them have served in Afghanistan and other places and still carry the pain from that. You can see this in many documentries where you go through stories of people at the palaces, training grounds and overseas, I reccomend a watch.
Yeah this is kind-of an 'honorable retirement' position for traumatised soldiers who don't want to leave the forces, I guess...
@@queenvagabond8787 No, they are active soldiers. The soldiers serving as guards of the various palaces are regularly rotated from different regiments, and when they aren't serving as guards they are deployed as vanguard units in some of the hottest combat theatres the arny is operating in.
A lot of tourists don't realise that the Kings guards are doing a job, they are serving soldiers and not just there for their amusement.
Or, to put it another way, what do so many tourists think the word 'Guard' means???
The ‘King’s Guard’ certainly are doing a job but they’re not doing it at Horse Guards, they are the five infantry regiments that guard Buckingham and St. James’ Palaces, Windsor Castle, The Tower of London and occasionally Holyrood. It’s ‘The King’s Life Guard’ that guard HG
@@j.ksmith7432 This isnt an infantry soldier he is one of the life guards, you can see by the white plume he is a royal life guard, the blues have a red plume. They arent always mounted on guard duty.
@@j.ksmith7432
@@j.ksmith7432 good try but wrong
The men in uniform are top serving soldiers, have been to war zones and do not deserve such disrespect.
no idea what you mean by 'top serving'.. there is no such thing. You serve.. or you don't. simple. they deserve respect. I come from a military family myself - RAF and Royal Navy and was Police until I retired myself. If someone does';t respect the forces.. stay away from their installations and certainly do not disrespect them in this way. Its awful.
He's a real American girls a waste of space
@@mariahoulihan9483 top serving probably refers to well decorated, which most of the royal guards tend to be
Agree 100%....
I mean, have you seen how the Americans treat their own vets? It's like - get them into the military young, toss them aside, don't give them the help they need and just let them become homeless once they stop "functioning". No wonder they disrespect other countries' soldiers. They always CLAIM to respect their own but it's mostly lip service. If they really respected them, they'd treat their vets better.
Disrespecting the kings guard on duty would be the equivalent to disrespecting the guard at the tomb of the unknown soldier. The kings guard is not to be messed
I'd argue it's worse than that even. The unknown soldier is just that - an unknown soldier. The King's Guard are protecting a very real Royal Family. This Royal family has tens of millions of loyalists in Britain and Northern Ireland. I don't know how many people actually consider the Unknown Soldier on a day to day basis like those folks do. The unknown soldier guarding is symbolic. The royal family while yes - pretty symbolic, are alive and in need of real guarding. The unknown soldier guarding could literally be done by a CCTV camera and a fence, as it's mostly being guarded against vandalism/tourism getting too close to the relic.
None of this is being said to besmirch the memory of the unknown soldier but they have been gone from this world since at least 1920. Though having just looked it up, it apparently has more than one soldier in there. More were added in 1958 and 1984.
People seem to forget these guardsmen are actually armed service men and women, they have served all over the world, its disgusting anyone thinks they can behave like this.
Sadly this sort of thing happens alot a lot is American but there is plenty of others. So no respect
@@kevinhowells5810I can't believe how disrespectful so many people are thease days regardless of nationality. Not too long ago it seems, thease servicemen garnered automatic respect from the public, its a sad state of affairs when we need police to protect the royal guards from the public and protests, I thought this was Britain.
@@smogthehorse9409 terror threats are high risk in these areas of london . Armed police are essential in protecting the guards and public
@@claregale9011 yes I totally agree with you but it's shameful I feel that our governments regardless of political leaning have allowed our country to be at risk in such a way.
@@smogthehorse9409 Please learn how to spell "these" and learn the difference between "it's" and "its." People from other countries will read your comment.
I'm from Germany and I'm definitely ashamed of these (and an incredible number of other!) tourists!
The king's bodyguards, the mounted guards and the palace guards have to adhere to extremely strict rules and regulations and have a super strenuous job.
It upsets me when tourists of any nation simply cannot manage to show even the slightest respect for the traditions of the country they are visiting! What the hell is so difficult about that?
Do you have to shout "funny" things at the soldiers? Do you have to try to stroke the horses when there are signs right next to them forbidding exactly that? Do you have to try to take a selfie of yourself next to a royal guard? Can't you just let these people do their job in peace? Why is it so important to try to make the bodyguard laugh? And best of all: why are people outraged when there are harsh reactions to such disrespectful behavior? I just don't get it, I really don't... When I personally travel to a foreign country, I inform myself beforehand at least roughly about what is an absolute no-go in the respective country - and behave accordingly! I respect the fact that things that are completely normal for me in my own country may NOT be welcome in other countries! Out of respect for the people in a foreign country, I always learn at least a few common phrases in the local language - simply because I assume that the locals will be pleased ^^ Is it really so difficult to stick to the simplest rules of decency?
Agreed.I was rather sad when I realised that the average tourist from the USA just closes their eyes & jumps into the unknown. Which leads to a lot of misunderstanding - on both sides. I've not come across other travellers who, as a nation, don't try to find out about their destination. Especially in our technological age. At least find out what's considered polite and what isn't at your destination . And I rather think, that this comes across as arrogance to many? There's the implication that wherever we are, outside their country, we aren't worth bothering about. At least see what the local currency is? And maybe: - see if they have the death penalty for littering.😂😂
Extremely well said.
Actually members of the public aren't forbidden to touch the horses, just their tack (bridles, saddles, cinches etc.), the signs are just cautioning people that some of the horses bite or kick & sometimes they act up & prance about.
@@cireenasimcox1081Yes, exactly - for me it comes across as absolutely arrogant when tourists act as if they were the navel of the world and it simply doesn't occur to them that their behavior might be undesirable and considered rude in their vacation destination... And indeed, I have observed and experienced this behavior mostly with Americans - I'm really sorry to have to say that ^^
@@LazmanarusAh yes, that's right, sorry ^^ in the momentum of writing this just bubbled out... 😅
As an Englishman myself, I have briefly looked through the commets and as I haven't seen an answer to your question (sorry if has been answered already), I will answer.
Standard police officers as you may know already are mainly unarmed, with the most dangerous weapon they carry being a taser, however armed officers as seen in the video generally carry sub machine guns and rifles as standard.
There aren't as much need for armed officers in England as in other countries, but when they are needed, they are prepared for most situations.
Most of these armed units do not go on patrol with these weapons and are only equiped in such a way when needed. You only see armed officers patrolling particular events and places such as royal and ceremonial areas.
I hope this helps and if anyone knows differently, please correct me, but this is what I currently understand happens.
The armed police also get deployed in transport hubs such as major train stations when there's a high risk of a terror attack or a major event happening in the city, along with mounted police in the city centre.
Just to add to that im from london born and bred and we do have armed patrols regularly in certain areas with increased gang activity. Squads like SO19 and Trident in which they patrol daily in marked and unmarked BMW X5s. But like as you said, armed police are more present at central london hotspots, highend shopping districts and monuments.
Prepared?
The Flying Squad managed to confuse a chap who worked for me with a bank robber on the run. They dragged him out of a car in the Cromwell Road and shot him six times. and didn't manage to kill him thankfully. The Flying Squad then set about blackening his name at every turn to justify their ridiculous mistakes.
The Flying Squad are a bunch of arseholes basically. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shooting_of_Stephen_Waldorf
Can you imagine the reaction in the United States, should a foreign tourist disrespect the Sentinel Guards at Arlington Cemetery.
There are already multiple clips of tourists jumping the rails at Arlington’s Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and being ordered to go back repeatedly. Americans don’t even respect their own soldiers.
Happens every day at the 9/11 Memorial Pools in NYC. I don't know how people can even take smiling selfies with those fountains as a backdrop. Whilst not as extreme as these tourists or disrespecting the Sentinel Guards at Arlington, it's still inappropriate.
@@jonathanlandau-litewski7405 U would be surprised, how often tourists, often Americans, but not always, have to be chased of "funning" around and jumping from pillar to pillar at the Holocaust Memorial in Berlin. A few years ago a couple of American guys even got arrested, coz they thought, it was funny using the Holocaust Memorial to do a lot of selfies with Nazi salutes and yelling "Sieg Heil". Now Nazi symbols are illegal in Germany, u could get in trouble for that anywhere in Germany. But doing it at a Holocaust Memorial???
They were so offensive and so in breach of the law, that they shouldve gotten hefty fines and possibly more, but when the police realised, they werent actual Nazi believers, but braindead Americans, they gave them a real serious talk and then released them. Didnt hear anything more, so I assume, they at least kept their disrespectful crap to themselves until after leaving Germany.
Sadly, a lot of tourists do not show any respect to the countries and cultures, they visit. Its by no means only Americans, but Americans do seem to take it to another level, often combined with the attitude, that theyre Americans, so they can do, whatever they want, and every1 else have to conform to them, not the other way around. Up to and including many Americans believing, that they are entitled to special service, cutting in front of lines and, yes, that local laws dont apply to them. Coz theyre Americans. Not all Americans are like that, but enough are, that that is the reputation of American tourists.
Or if they disrespected the Flag.
@@jonathanlandau-litewski7405 I mean, there's people (Americans among them) taking smiling and outright goofy selfies at friggin' AUSCHWITZ, so I'm not surprised ...
My daughter's American friend from Iowa, came to the UK for six months a few years back.
In the months before his stay, we all chatted for hours over video chats, us telling him things he should expect to see here. We also told him the dos and don'ts of living here too. We told him that in general, our police don't carry firearms, but they do carry tasers, sprays, etc.
When he arrived at Heathrow, he commented on the fact that, for a country that is famous for their police not to carry firearms, when we do, we REALLY do!
He said that he was really shocked to see not only armed police at the airport but instead of just having a side arm, as cop do in the US, we had semi automatics! And that when we do armed police, we don't do it half!
Tourists do seem to forget that these fancily dressed guards are active soldiers. Don't let their uniforms fool you, they're trained to protect this country the same as anyone else's soldiers.
And as for that kid, would he have shown the same disrespect for the US soldiers guarding the grave of the Unknown Soldier, too? Or the Swiss Guards at the Vatican? If not, why not? They're all soldiers doing their duty, whether they're here, there, or wherever, and need to be respected.
Mate, the sidearms ARE semi-automatics. Unless you were talking about full auto pistols or something 😂
I hope you told him this land has been subject to murderous terrorists attacks. THAT is why airport police and at other locations are armed in that way. 'Fancy dressed guards'? are you being serious there? how disrespectful to put that here.
@ktgame2640 Well, there you go, chalk one up to the girl, whose only interaction with a firearm of any description, outside of a funfair and a friends air-rifle, was when I was 17, in the police station in Amsterdam, reporting my stolen purse. As the uniformed officer was taking my statement, sitting at a desk behind this big plain clothed guy, who up to this point had said nothing, just sat back quietly listening while my mum and I spoke .
He must have been someone in charge because, as we sat there, there was a knock at the door, and in walks, another uniformed officer, and started speaking in Dutch to the big guy. I look up at him, them my eyes drift down, looking at his uniform, and I see a gun. As I said, part from seeing rifles, the only pistol I'd ever seen was in tv and movies.
So, while the office bang away on his 1989 keyboard, Mum and I were waiting for him to catch up and ask the next question, I nudged my mum and nodded towards the officer standing next to our chairs, leaning on the door frame, still chatting to the big guy. Unaware thst they had seen me nudge my mum, we looked around to see the officer immediately check to see if his fly was open!
As Mum and I were both saying at the same time, no, it's the gun! At which point the big guy, who still hasn't said anything to us, very serious expression across his face, even when this offer comes in, absolutely rolls with laughter at his officers mistake.
As he starts laughing, Mum and I were still spluttering through our explanation about not seeing a gun before, that our police don't have the etc. Which only made the boss laugh more at his officer's mistake. 😁🤦♀️
So, yeah, the only things I know about make/ model/designation is that their either big rifle types or small hand types! 😉😁
@mariahoulihan9483 when I said about the guards, I didn't mean as a Fancy Dress costume, I meant, as I've now changed it, that they look all smart and fancy in their red uniforms, their bearskin hats, or the horse hair helmets that the horseguards wear. A lot of tourists see them dressed like that and forget that they are professional soldiers. Some mistakenly think that they're just there to take pictures of, rather than actually being real soldiers guarding.
@@timberwolf5211 I don't blame tourists though, the uniforms aren't intimidating and at this point they're just traditional homage that the royal family can't be asked to change. Not to mention they don't seem to care to much and never really have for the guards, they probably get good pay but to sit in those suits all year round even in summer, I'd bloody boil, it's downright cruel and isn't right that they don't even have a thinner uniform unlike the armed guards who can just take off their jackets and wear the padded (bulletproof) vests which are a lot cooler than the getup those others guards wear.
At this point they're honestly just decorative guardsmen and it's no wonder the tourists joke about them so much but they are still human and people should have the decency to treat them as such.
The tall armed policeman at 6minutes in is amazing. No nonsense attitude and a man you don't want to mess with.
Pity there are not more like him, he's brilliant.
The worst part is how most tourists seem to think the Royal Guard is just a decorative function, but these are all actual soldiers. They've gone through training, and many of them have been deployed, too, and they're just standing there being ridiculed by disrespectful tourists all day. They may look decorative, but they are anything but.
Worked with a guy who used to be in the queen's guard now kings guard, he'd done tours in Iraq like all other members. He'd watched friends die and although he never talked about having mental problems from his time there, it was pretty obvious it had taken a huge toll on him.
For people to disrespect them is fucking shameful.
Not that I believe that their outfit would be helpful in a dangerous situation,
but I do not doubt for a minute that they know what to do.
My country has not been to war for quite some time,
so our soldiers are not war-hardened, but they are also trained soldiers.
The tourists just make themselves look stupid.
Not just any soldiers, they're among some of the most elite amongst the British Army.
@@mademoiselledusfonctionell1609 Actually we have British soldiers in Ukraine and many killed, . 2000 French soldiers sent home in body bags. This has been kept secret from the British public so as not to start riots and protests. NATO troops are very much a presence in Ukraine against the Russians- and a re getting slaughtered daily by the Russians. This is being kept quiet until late July or August according to MP. Andrew Bridgen
It happens every day in Germany that American tourists make fun of Germans! Recently in Hamburg I saw Americans laughing at German firefighters who were on duty at a car accident! I wonder why Americans travel abroad at all if they think other countries and non-Americans are ridiculous!
Of course they think that every country is ridiculous because they are under the impression that Americans are superior to every other country.
Unfortunately there are many, many ways that Americans are inferior to the rest of the world.
I've heard lots of complaints on social media about Germans daring to speak German in Germany (even one claiming that as US troops are situated in Germany all Germans should speak English so they don't have to learn German) along with claims Spain can't exist because Spanish is an American language
I feel awkward replying to a German person but I agree as.. we do have Auschwitz in Poland. Some American tourists come to visit like it's Disneyland, selfies etc. WTF! The whole of Europe learned from this and I think never would repeat it, why can't they? They are so proud of 'rescuing' allies. Get a grip people.
It's my impression these loud, silly people are embarrassed by their own ignorance when they come face to face with an older culture.
@@gordonsmith8899I don't think such people are embarrassed to see any older culture. They probably don't even realise the value of such cultures.
These soldiers can get into huge trouble for even moving
As a proud Londoner, it infuriates me when ignorant tourists, often American, heckle, troll and taunt our Royal Guards. They may be ceremonial roles but they are occupied by real soldiers. Please don't come to our country and mock our history. It's disrespectful and insulting.
If you go to the White House in Washington and heckle, troll and taunt the police there, if you're wearing the correct clothing and a Trump baseball hat, they let you in for a look around when you can trash the place and then blame it on someone else!
well america was simply given their country by oh yes thats right the british they didnt win it, perhaps they should remember that and should be taught such in school instead of the brainwashing garbage of believing they are the greatest,
exactly they wouldn't like it if someone acted like that at either Arlington Cemetery or at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier
A proud Londoner... that's a dying breed right there.
@@paulkelk5142 Yes, true! But I guess people DO act like that at Arlington Cemetery or other famous 'Memorials'. I was once in France where there are many thousands of War Graves and there were children running around playing cops and robbers with parents joining in!
I'd just like to add a couple of points:
1. The overwhelming majority of American tourists I encounter here in London are delightful people, regardless of idiosyncrasies, and couldn't be more welcome. These jerks are conspicuous, but not typical, and it's hard to imagine them being welcome at home either.
2. Some British tourists to continental Europe also embarrass themselves so badly that their hosts dread their arrival. Being obnoxious is not any nation's characteristic, and we should all be grateful that it tends to apply to a minority and use it as a lesson for how we behave whenever we travel.
Yes well said. There are bad seeds in every crop.
A lot of tourists are like a plague, seems they can't understand that what they're seeing is not a show for them, but the real life of a lot of people. They are disrespectful of everything, just think the two british idiots who carved their names on the Colosseum (it is a crime punishable by up to 5 years in prison) or the bunch of tourists who think that the Trevi fountain is a pool. This is universal, every country has stupid tourists of every nationality.
In Latin the word "hospes, -ĭtis" means both host and guest, that's because they should respect the same rules of courtesy.
I will add Australian’s to that too. As an Aussie, I won’t go to Bali because I don’t want to encounter horrible, drunk Australians.
Those types of Brits go to Aya Napa....not Versailles..
I unreservedly totally agree with what you say. It is the few who`s behaviour serves to tarnish the many respectable people.
1:that’s part of Buckingham palace
2:most if not all uk cities now have heavily armed police officers they have been growing with every terror attack the uk has faced
3: there are some armed police outside cities that just carry a glock but their carbine is locked in the trunk of the car.
I met a cop at Mac Donald’s once who had a handgun never seen a armed policeman in my town so I asked him turns out multiple police have access to guns but keep them locked in the cars for emergency however metropolitan police (London etc) all meet a counter terrorism standard
Americans think it’s Disney World over here. Why are Americans so loud?
I want to like this comment a zillion times
I worked in the USA for five years, and you would be surprised at just how loud and obnoxious some Brits are when they are in another country. In general, both British and American tourists are respectful of the rule of law of whichever country they visit. but there will always be the hard core of nationals who think that the can flout the laws or rules of whichever country they are visiting, Then when they are imprisoned they cry for the Consulate to "Rescue" them.
Because they are emulating the Brits
Empty vessels make more noise
@@terrywright7470 Really?
Reverse the situation, how would the same Americans react if we sent a bunch of 'skinheads' over to the tomb of the unknown soldier in Washington, and they called the guard a 'Yankee-doodle'? Respect should be paid to anyone willing to serve their country - and thought should be given to the amount of discipline and self control that these ceremonial guards have to show in performing their duties.
Skinheads ? You must be around 70 years of age. Your father would have said Teddy boys.
I wouldn't say a group of 'skinheads' was a fair comparison to five teenage girls.
Maybe not but what really concerned me was the influence the man had. Something strange there ?
@@havocmwf no , a couple of weeks ago my mum dropped £20 by the cashmachine, to her surprise 2 skinhead looking guys picked it up and gave it back to her. I doubt the girls in the video would have done the same.
I agree, IF they are americans, they should go try the same at the Tomb of The Unknown Soldier and see what happens......I know what happens if you do this to the Queens Guard in Copenhagen...
We should THANK them for their service, not abuse them...❤
I am a patriotic Englishman, you seem a decent guy Ryan. Just a quick story for you though. When in America once, i took a girl out in Boston, who was studying at Harvard, she asked me "So, why did you guys invade the Falkland Islands and take them off Argentina in 1982"?
I replied as politely as i could that she may be mistaken in her modern history, she retorted that anyone in the diner we were in would agree with her!? I changed the subject. Im afraid i found this `history knowledge` whilst i was in New York and Boston pretty standard. Also the old `we`d be talking German if it wasnt for America` ignorance. I found it quite frightening that a large, powerful country like the US still believes stuff like this. But thanks for your politeness and all the best.
Don’t forget a large number of people in both NYC and Boston, Massachusetts funded the IRA.
@@enkisdaughter4795the current US president supports them!
Yup, the world is pretty f'd up. Only way out of that is to fully join up...1 language, no religion, etc. Not a bad idea when you think about it, and no, nothing to do with 'communism' stereotypes. Unfortunately, we're too f'd up to remotely entertain that.
Most Americans lack of knowledge outside of their own borders often leaves me speechless.
I worked on a student scheme some years ago whereby I could work in a summer camp for a small fee and have six weeks to myself thereafter. Pan Am flights paid for. Great when you're 18. I was shocked at some of the things I heard from 12-15 year old kids: "Is Spain in South America?", Is England part of London?, Is the UK near to Canada?
What some tourists seem to be unable to comprehend is that a). These are real soldiers on duty and not actors in fancy dress. b). They would be there even if there were no tourists, and c). It’s not part of some Disneyland type of attraction. You’d think, especially when they are there as part of an organised tour, with a guide, they’d have been aware of how they needed to behave before they even got there. Any business, that continually failed to control members of their group, should be banned.
Agreed on all points. It's really sad to see people disrespect such a high level of protection and history of their duty
I like how the policeman is firm but remains calm, I would like to see this in the US...
The armed police man was very firm, yet polite. Not a single swear word. Just expressed this behaviour would not be tolerated and sent them packing. :)
The area they are in is a military zone. The public are permitted to enter but that permission is withdrawn if disrespect is shown to the serving soldiers on ceremonial duty.
You are the ONLY American I know that openly and unapologetically criticizes his fellow Americans/his country.
Surely one can love one's country and voice justified criticism.
Thank you for your courage.
Hi Ryan. These are the Ministry of Defence Police at Horse Guards. Whitehall, London. They also police just across the street at the Ministry of Defence main building. Just down the street is the entrance to Downing Street, that is policed my the Metropolitan Police. This are of London is referred to as The GSZ, which stands for the Government Security Zone. It covers all the government buildings, including Parliament. Department of Health, Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office, The Treasury etc etc.
Imagine foreign tourist behaving like that in Washington.
@@trueamnisias They do everywhere. It's not just London.
I love those guys at Horse Guards, they put up with so much sh*te from tourist
Yes! It is also important to note that Horseguards - the building, is a Royal Palace.
@@trueamnisias exactly
My former workmate was a Grenadier Guard (one of the royal guards who wear the red tunic, big bearskin busby hat, and chest full of Afghan & Iraq medals) and said the worst part about being on the Ceremonial Guard was heckling foreign tourists.
This duty must be starting to feel more like punishment than an honour, with the flagrant disrespect people are exhibiting. Perhaps the Guards need to have an emergency button handy on their person (do they already?), to get these folk out of their face or personal space quick smart. No one should have to endure that.
i would not disrepect the honor guard in my country, why would i do it in other country? i dont get why people can be so stupide :( it's a hard work to do, just hope theme a good day and go elsewhare
and also normal people dont understand what it takes to just stand still for along time and not moving at all... i personaly can feel that (German army) in big Apells we do .. thats just an hour or so...
these guards have to stand much longer...
they have my biggest respect
@@Kayenne54
I was only thinking today watching a full episode, that they should have a secret emergency button. Sometimes you can see the guards eyes moving to see if anyone in charge is around when things get way out of hand.
And those poor horses touched and patted non stop when on duty - I think I’d bite a person or two if I was a horse lol.
Did he have to heckle foreign tourists, though, or was that what he wanted to do....? 😏
Sorry.... couldn't resist! I am sure that knowing that he is part of the prime regiments of the best army in the world will help him ignore such pip-squeaks.
For reference: The guard in red is part of the palace guard. They have a long tradition - and standing order - not to let themselves be distracted by civilians' antics; they are there to react to terrorists and assassins and NOT BE DISTRACTED. So of course some tourists see it as their 'duty' to try to distract them from a really serious job (same as the secret service, or at least the visible part of the secret service.). It's not unusual for tourists to behave like that, but that doesn't make it any better when they do.
Hi Ryan, the location is called Horseguards, it was the headquarters of the army in the 18th and 19th century, just the other side of the building is the large square called Horseguards Parade, where they hold the Trooping the Colour ceremony for the Kings birthday. The police are not regular London officers, they are MOD Police, civilian, but usually ex-military, who guard any Ministry of Defence property that's deemed sensitive or high risk, all MOD officers have to have a certification for firearms.
@Dibley8899 I said they're civilian to differentiate them from the Military Police, not to imply any other police force was not civilian.
@Dibley8899plus all officers hold what is known as a warrant card. This gives them power of arrest even off duty.
There are other specialist police forces that are typically always armed, including the ones that guard nuclear facilities and transport of nuclear materials. The transport police will also typically have armed officers at major railway stations as well as airports.
These guys are our elite soldiers not Disneyland cartoon characters. As has been said, the location is Horse Guards which originally formed the entrance to St. James's Palace. It continues to be protected, ceremonially, by these 1st class soldiers.
The standard issue police weapons are H&K MP5 or H&K G36 both configured for single fire. Sidearm is usually a Glock17
Don't mess with either guy. They really don't appreciate it. 💪🇬🇧
Standard Armed Police equipment varies by force, as in the US, but generally consists of a Rifle or SMG (Usually a G36 or MP5), a sidearm (Usually a Glock 17), Tazer, Pepper Spray and a Baton.
Generally, outside of emergency firearms response, armed police are only found guarding important non-military locations such as government offices, airports, Royal buildings (Supporting the Royal Guard) and on protection details for ministers and the like.
American or not american, it is sooo disrespectful to say things like ,,I would shoot my self'' like in that first video...This is unacceptable beahviour. Poor guard.
As an English man in his mid-40, I can tell you that wasn't brutal. That was polite 😂
It’s Horse Guards in Whitehall - literally round the corner from Downing Street. And yes, police officers in the U.K. are either armed with a sub-machine gun and a pistol or not at all.
I saw a group of young American men being really disrespectful to one one of these guards. I think it's disgraceful to treat a working soldier like that. ☮️
Did it ever occur to you that maybe they don't respect soldiers? Are you able to cope with that?
@@chrismillar4474clearly that's what this person wrote captain obvious, thank you for writing your useless rubbish. 100% you're American 🤡
@@chrismillar4474 Then why are they going near them? Do they want to end up in jail or with fines? Is being rude towards someone doing profession you don't like accepted practice in your neighbourhood?
It's disgraceful to treat anyone working like that.
@@chrismillar4474 I don't respect squealing, stupid foreign tourists or the people who defend them. Can you cope with that?
Can you imagine how many tourists try to interfere with our guards every day
I cant imagine. But I have survival instincts, so I dont go up to people with guns and laugh at them no matter how silly they look.
Iv seen people throw things at them to make them react, the worst were a family of elderly Jewish people who should know better.
I can imagine. Why are ppl doing that..respectless! I am going there in 3 Weeks or so. Just be polite. Is it ok to make a Picture..a normal one or is it actually not allowed?
I want to believe that most Germans respect the guards :
@@silviahannak3213Yes, you can take photos.
I went to university in London. In the summers, we used to play "Spot the American tourists". So easy.
I’m from another European country but have lived in London for 10 years. Even us other ‘foreigners’ despise the Americans here 😂
It constantly astounds me how infantilised supposed adults become when outside of their normal environment. This doesn't just apply to tourists to the UK, but British holidaymakers when they go abroad. I can't understand why they imagine what's generally considered obnoxious behaviour at home is somehow acceptable elsewhere.
I guess the reason is the following: At home they only behave because they are afraid somebody who knows them could watch their misbehaving. As soon as they are in a foreign country the say "oh, nobody knows me here, so I can be the idiot I really am!" and there they go...!
right, many tourists have a bad habit of treating other countries like a theme park.
Yep. I just made a similar comment. Brits can be very ignorant and obnoxious. Sorry on behalf of the UK.
I think it's the "I've paid to be here" mentality.
I think many people have a feeling of being forced into a mold, having to function like cogs in a gear during their daily lives for thei work, family or other responsibilities, and of course vacations serve as a way to temporarily escape that - a bit like the carnival days of old where it was suddenly ok to mock everyone for a few days. However, of course: when going there, the locals you meet are in their everyday lives, they do have to play their roles and are in that frustrating situation you just escaped from, so that's a highly asymmetrical (and potentially escalating) thing if you decide on mocking them. So the smarter idea is: if you have to, just take the piss out of other tourists and leave the locals alone.
There is a great video of people getting too close to one of the guards, they yell and stamp their feet, in shock the idiots more away. In one of them, there is a father help his disabled child get in the frame for a picture, and dad is telling him not to get to close. Then unexpectely, the guard without any change in facial expression, takes two side steps so that the child is actually next to the guard for the photo. The dad is stunned I think, and when the picture taking is finished, the guard takes two steps in the opposite direction so they end up in the same spot.
ua-cam.com/video/nxvGCQY8m4c/v-deo.htmlsi=FRPUeuvFzFEUjbwo
Don’t apologise for their actions, it wasn’t your fault, it was theirs based on their own individual choices.
those guards are genuine soldiers , most have seen service and dont deserve to be abused or trifeld with greatest respect to them from oz.
Been Entitled and disrespectful is not An American privilege .. It's people in general now a days !! ...
Not sure if those tourists were American but they obviously were lost in all the fun they were having, that they forgot to show respect to the Guards, .. at Horse Guards Parade in Westminster, Greater London, UK, ..
I've seen tons of these 'messing with the royal guard' videos, and it isn't just Americans who do it. Nobody should do it. The kid has an important job to do. These are a bunch of giddy girls, showing out for a fella in a super-duper cool uniform. I also heard German being spoken. These weren't all Yanks.
@@sovereignjoe5730
Neither of the two groups were Americans. First group was Israelis and second group attend Samiad international school in the UK. The Samiad School is for non English speaking students to learn English. The vast majority of students are Europeans, Middle Eastern and Asian. Hope that helps ya about them. As a 52 year old man myself that’s worked all over the world and has been to 30 plus countries myself. I was always told as a kid when traveling that I was a representative of my country, and I better not embarrass my family, my country, or my host
@@srice8959 Thank you for your clarity, I guessed the first group were Jewish women, egged on by a man, but Sherlock WAS a Jew, who wanted his "pound of flesh"..Maybe should've shouted "Shakespear" lol
@@margaretflounders8510That's Shylock, not Sherlock (a fictional British detective)
This took place at Horseguards. It's where they hold the Trooping of the Colour in front of the King.
This is at Horseguard's Parade in London. Yeah armed police here really are heavily armed. But in that part of London - Whitehall - you are so close to so many important places like Downing Street, Parliament and numerous government offices.
But unlike when visiting the US, where the police is itself a threat to public safety, I'm not afraid of the british police when visiting the UK.
These are MoD police - Ministry of Defence, one of the several non-home office forces.
I serve in the Met as a non-firearms officer... the percentage of firearms officers is tiny on the whole.
I just don't understand these tourists. These are soldiers who have seen combat in several war zones and have medals. While they are on guard duty, if they respond to provocation, they will be put in military prison as a punishment. There is so much to see and do in London, how can you spend more than five minutes photographing/videoing soldiers on ceremonial duties?
The location is Horse Guards Parade. It is located near Buckingham Palace. They are the Queens or Kings guard, depending when the video was taken.
The location in both clips is the courtyard in Horseguards Parade in Whitehall. You may hear other accents in the background because the courtyard is an enclosed space and sound echoes. At busy times there can be a couple of hundred people in there. Americans are probably surprised at how many of our police are armed. And as you say, they don't mess around, they are very heavily armed.
Reminder that all those guards around importants places of London are soldiers in active duty, they have been selected for those jobs (if I remember it may even be a reward, certainly not a punishment).This mean they can and will use their weapon (it's a real one) if they are threatened. And the reason you see a chain in the first video is because tourists being nuisance to those soldiers just doing their duty.
The reason there are policemen around them is that the Guards have a highly ritualized way to warn people that tourist may not understand, such as stomping. And obviously there are increased risks those days that the traditionnal number of Guards can't deal with; in addition to soldiers not being really trained to deal with tourist crowds the way a policeman can.
The girls clothes aren't normal for teenagers. I think they are from a special group or sekt.
The police have powers of arrest that soldiers don't. They are also there to protect from a terrorist attack, hence the carbines and pistols.
to quote MiB they are there because they are the best of the best of the best
I bet some people think about the swiss guard also that they only for photos, but they have trained in our country as soldiers and a protecting the pope.
4:10 That was the warning. The next step in an arrest.
No apology needed, friend; they’re only behaving like they’ve seen their politicians behave.
Underrated comment
💂♂️ Basically it's a game for people from Any countrty and also some of our own people from UK to try to make the guards laugh, or get angry, or just get any reaction from them. But they're on duty and they are all actually real soldiers. Also if they laugh etc they can lose a months pay, or lose their post, so it's very important not to bother them.
It is important for tourists to recognize that the guards protecting the king are not merely decorative figures, but highly trained soldiers who deserve to be treated with the utmost respect.
Nobody who would protect a globalist traitor like Charles III deserves any respect.
These guards are servicemen, they are serving soldiers. It is disgusting
Horseguards are still serving soldiers. So good of you to be willing to watch and comment.
Never argue with the man with the slung assault rifle.
The problem is that some (many) tourists see the world outside of their dwellings as a huge Disneyworld: what they see is everyday, ordinary life but they think that it's a show for their entertainment!
These guards are not there for tourists to take selfies, but to protect the King of England!
Why do you say "King of England"? England is just one Nation within the UK. Charles III is King of the United Kingdom and the 14 other Commonwealth realms.
@@laurastuart3814 Yes, you're right, sorry.
Its usually a H&K G36 that they carry in royal or government facilties although that looked like an M4. Patrolling armed officers carry an MP5
Wel.... We like YOU Ryan. That counts for something 🙂
Visited the Kiel memorial with the eternal flame for all the sailors that died during ww2, the only people that let their kids run around the mausoleum screaming were americans. I'd love to see some one try that at the tomb of the unknown soldier and get away with it, which of course you wouldn't and rightly so. Just show some respect.
They are on guard for 2 hrs on and 2 off till their watch is over.
these arent the every day police, they are Ministry of Defense Police - this is at Horse Guards which is a military establishment. The guards, that regiment is the King's Life Guards. They are active soldiers, yes at the moment they are performing ceremonial duties but they are and do serve in the field. If you want to see more like these check out London City Walks. I recognise the narrators voice, thats Buska in the Park
From the 2nd clip - 'Team Samiad' is a weekly summer school for international students wanting to learn and develop their English skills. They failed to educate some of their group for this visit, though.
And the first group was a group of Jewish Israelis. The video of the Israelis are a couple years old. The thing I hate is none of the people in those 2 videos are even Americans, but because of the amount of xenophobia that people have towards Americans. Every one will just belittle its Americans and helps people to justify their xenophobia about Americans as true. It happens quite often, and it’s sad because most Americans don’t act like this and because of the few that do and the ones who aren’t American just makes us look worse. Where it’s almost a self fulfilling prophecy
@@srice8959Oh please, yes they do. There’s even clips around of Americans violating the rules at Arlington.
@@srice8959 Hear hear...
It's ironic that we Brits are so strict with tourists. Yet a large portion of Brits cause havoc when travelling. Especially when alcohol is involved.
And any country is welcome to treat them however they deem to be appropriate. Nobody here in the UK will feel sorry for them.
Well I judged them unfairly. I thought the wrong-way freeway drivers in Phoenix were British, but they were all Mexicans. I guess Mexicans think they're British when they're drunk.
As an ex British serviceman this would some idiot from the UK being disrespectful somewhere like Arlington Cemetery, regardless of where you come from a little respect and courtesy costs nothing
Dude! They were totally flirting with that guard in the bad-ass uniform.
This wasn't the Cenotaph, but everyone does need to be respectful and give these guys enough room to do their jobs.
neither of the two groups in the video’s are American. The first are Israeli and the second are students at the Samiad international University located in the UK, and it’s for non English speaking students to learn how to speak English. The majority of the students are European, Middle Eastern, and Asian
This is nothing like Arlington. Nobody is buried there.
Not just the Americans buddy, tourists as a whole are a ballache when your on guard.
Had to scream and point my bayonet at many during my 12 years of service.
Lots believe they are purely ceremonial, but they are active soldiers ready to deploy when needed.
I served in Northern Ireland, Iraq (Op Granby) and Bosnia.
Ex Coldstream Guards 💂♂️🇬🇧 " Nulli Secundus "
Thankyou for all you have done. Greatful brit.
Thank you for your service
Thank you for your message. It was a pleasure to serve. Enjoy your Sunday!! 🙂
Being born and raised in London, I have nothing but respect and honour for the Royal Guard. Thank you for your service, Sir
@@jackcrofts-mullin461 Respect to you for that as I'm sure you saw the Guards quite regularly on your travels around London.
Cheers for your comment, enjoy the rest of your weekend!!
This is not at the Tower of London it is at the Horseguards, at the entrance to Buckingham Palace. It is not a monumental type place, it is a working type place. The soldiers there are on duty as they are at places like the Pentagon. The British allow entrance to tourists and sightseers out of courtesy and expect it in return. This is not a Hollywood film set.
He did give them a warning, he said he will kick them out if they carry on
Never heard of you before Ryan or seen your channel until now... loved this reaction video, you aearned yourself another subscriber. You were genuinely seem like a respectful and great guy! I served 7 years and got out about 4 years ago, loved every minute. Thanks from across the pond. 🇬🇧
Being English, I still tried to get guard to react. When I was a kid. These are fully grown adults, they have no reason to not show respect.
Armed police in the UK are equipped with a taser for non lethal, either a Glock 17 (most common) or Walther P99 as a side arm and they either use a H&K MP5SF or the H&K G36C as the main carry.
and your point is?
@@mariahoulihan9483his pint as you were incapable of following… is… Ryan was wondering on the video what kind of rifle the police over here carry
As far as I know the British police don't carry the MP5 any more, they moved over the 5.56mm rifle a while back. I had a chance to chat to an on-duty armed officer at an event after I noted that the ammo in the transparent magazine he was equipped with had a hollow-point bullet. It's probably specifically tailored for the short-barrel carbine, with more stopping power than the Plus-P 9mm round they used in the MP5.
@@robertsneddon731 Yep, British Armed Police generally don't carry MP5s anymore, However every armed police forces' Chief is responsible for the armoury and what is in it, so there are still a few constabularies where it is used if my memory serves me correctly
And let's not forget these guys were attacked in a terror incident in the 80s 4 soliders killed and 5 or 6 horses so they are very much under armed guard .
I didn’t know about that. That’s horrific! Thank you for the info!!
@@laikanbarth was terrible and very sad , all the more reason they deserve respect .
The terrorist attack was in 1982 and there were 11 soldiers killed and another 51 people injured when the IRA denoted two bombs. 7 horses died and others were badly injured in the nail bomb attack, the culprit was caught and charged on 4 counts of murder but the case was thrown out of court, he got off scot free.
@@george-ev1dq why was it thrown out ??
@@claregale9011 probably through fear of other attacks from the Irish, sure most convicted IRA criminals were released from prison after only serving a few months or years of their life sentences.
Armed Metropolitan Police usually armed with Heckler & Koch 9mm semi or fully automatic weapons along with Glock 19 sidearms, tasers, pepper spray and batons. The location is Horse Guards Parade off Whitehall which is just a few hundred metres from Downing Street [residence to the British PM] and within a kilometre of the Houses of Parliament
Those teenagers parents should have said this to them long time ago. Parent failure is obviouse.
In the first clip I’m pretty sure the guy reading fancy British names on his phone, and goading the girls on, is one of them’s father!
I wonder if those people would do the same at your Arlington Cemetery or whether they would show more respect there?
The armed police are there to protect The King's Guards, a few years ago a soldier called Lee Rigby was attacked and beheaded on his way to his barracks. This location is Horse Guards Parade and there's a barracks there.
This area is Horse Guards parade which is part of the Ministry of Defense. The police are Ministry of Defense police who are armed, unlike the London Metropolitan Police.
You are incorrect. Those armed officers are Met Police. You will see that level of weapons held by the Met Police in all major rain stations and tourist areas. A significant number of Met Officers are armed.
Ministry of DefenCe - it is British
The Met have plenty of armed officers.
The building here is actually Horse Guards, which, as well as its historic importance, is in Whitehall, at the heart of the British Government's offices. This is why the police are heavily armed and very vigilant, because it is a prime terrorist target. There will be more armed officers around, in plain clothes, mixing with the tourists.
rifles are Heckler & Koch G36 and in 1st video he states if it carries on I will ask you to leave they were not removed straight away it was their choice
Just a few days ago a young guy was arrested in front of the cameras for being an abnoxious prat. You should have a look at that.
All for his Tik Tok likes …. 😏😡 but I bet that nasty and imbecilic child won’t be returning to HorseGuards to complete his “action shots” - the person who filmed him and shouted at him will recognise him instantly, and on his head be it, if the numpty insults the Guard again! (Would be really funny to witness though 😄)
Is that one with the mounted Horseguard? They showed it on YT. He got carted off in cuffs. Delightful.
@@susanshadrake6193 that’s the one! - 😂- serves him right and he got what he deserved - insulting a King’s Guard, annoying that poor horse and making a total wombat of himself, because he is “making money” getting “likes and “ from ThickTwat viewers!
This is basically the same as disrespecting the US presidential guard, the royal guards are actual soldiers, they have served our country, most have been in combat and have seen the horrors of war, the last thing they want is to be treated like this when they return home and are deployed to the royal guards. And yes the guns the royal guards are armed with assault rifles, and whilst not always loaded they keep a loaded magazine just in case, and that bayonet is real and will ruin your day. If you hear make way for the king's guard! for the love of god, get out of their way! They will not hesitate to push you out of their way regardless if you're elderly, a child, disabled, pregnant or an entitled American.
Man: (looks at serious looking guard)
Man: AH YES THAT SHERLOCK HOMES!
these armed ploice are highly trained, they dont just go through 6 months police school and they are given a gun, there training is constant, even taulght by the milatry, on how to clear houses, and all that sort of stuff, they are trained, should they need to discharge a weapon, its one shot, when the suspect goes down, they then render first aid, not unload two clips, wait 15 minute for your ambulance, and stand there watching a man die,
And you're borderline illiterate.
They are MOD police and do not clear houses, they are restricted to MOD property.
@@george-ev1dq They are trained to clear buildings, though - including at Hereford. Their primary roles include protecting nuclear establishments and places like Porton Down.
@@wessexdruid7598 nonsense, MOD police do not clear houses or guard nuclear establishments, stick to your Beano Kid.
The primary role of the MoD Police is to provide armed policing throughout the defence estate in the UK. They are a civilian police force, much like the British Transport Police who Police the rail transport infrastructure. Like all police forces in the UK they have been subjected to stringent cuts since 2010 and are now a much reduced force. In 1979, they were the fourth largest police force in England the Met, West Midlands, and Greater Manchester police were larger. They are now one of the smallest. This reflects the levels of Defence cuts during the 80' under the Thatcher government and more since 2010.
Just so you know Ryan, the rifle is a Heckler Koch assault rifle, the pistol is a Gloch 9mm, and the yellow "pistol" is a 50,000 volt tazer (with two load outs). They also carry pepper spray, a Skorpion batton, and cuffs. Yep they are well armed, and they are not as patient as some of the American cops I've seen on youtube, normally 3 strikes and you're out!.
Sorry to bother you but I have seen a couple of Police Men with what looks like a Yellow rope on their back, it's looped up like the release cord of a parachute. The Police man in the second video has one of those ropes on the Left side of his back. Do you know what they are for? / B.
@@mbo191 I didn't notice that on the video but it sounds like it would be to secure one of the weapons, ie. stretches out enough that he can draw it but not enough that someone can take it off him. I know UK police have these, so I'm assuming that is what you saw.
@@nlwilson4892 - Ok, that might be it.
Another detail that should be noticed is that when the Police men and women give instructions and point at something (or indicate a direction) they always do it with the Left arm/hand. They always hold the H&K in a firm grip with the Right hand, they never let go of that. Cheers / B.
Gloch yeah?
@@ktgame2640you know what he meant. If we wanna get pedantic, it's a Glock 17 or 17M. With An H&K G36C or and H&K MP5. I forget which version of MP5 though.
In specialised cases an H&K G3-SG1 or PSG1.
Only in the Met police. Other areas use different weapons.
Precise enough for you?
03:05 I know it's not true for you all, I have some wonderful American friends, but "obnoxious and annoying" are instantly what most people who aren't Americans think when they see an American.
I'm English originally, but I've travelled the world and I've now settled, married, and taken citizenship in Spain. I live near a US naval base and I've had to report, several times, the behaviour of Americans when off base to the base command. I've had to pull them up when I've heard them being openly racist and mocking the servers at restaurants because they think they don't understand English, being intentionally difficult with employees in shops, don't get me started on their behaviour in bars when drink is involved. None of them expect to be dressed down by an angry, middle aged English teacher who speaks 4 languages fluently and knows the number of their base relations office by heart!
Im proud to be one of the many Americans who take their visits overseas 100% seriously! And I'm proud to be an American, not banned from going back to Great Brittain, unlike the arsholes who is still missing.
I've met several American tourists in London and I agree, they've been wonderful and a credit to your nation.
I had the privilege of visting New York and I have to tell you, I think it's the best place on Earth! One day hopefully I can return.
Stay great my American friends! Xx
Nice to see you using "arsehole" rather than the politer American donkey related one (we'll get you saying "zed" next). 😉 The thing about vids like these are they are capturing the minority that don't know how to behave in public, most people are mostly the same polite and respectful folk, wherever they come from, but we all have our embarrassing jam roles that become twice as annoying and embarrassing when they (inevitably) start playing up abroad. What tourists don't realise here though is that these are functioning military bases and those soldiers themselves are armed and licensed to use any force they deem fit to protect those premises and occupants, they are also top drawer long serving professionals most battle hardened, many through multiple engagements.
Americans are so ignorant and annoying honestly just stay in America
it's like everything, there's good and bad everywhere and it's always the bad that get highlighted and the good that get the abuse for it.
we all know there are idiots, the only thing I would say with the American version is they tend to be louder than most so stand out more.
I have american friends who wouldn't dream of being like these guys and I was respectful when I went to the US.
A lot of tourist like to antagonise the guards.
1st group, I don't think they were American despite acting American, you could hear in their accent that they were not from the U.S
I was just there last week, on that same corner- it's behind St James Park and 10 Downing. Had a great conversation with these armed guards and they are incredible in keeping that area protected. As an American, I apologized in advance for any shenanigans my fellow countrymen try to pull.
Was that bloke telling them to say Sherlock with them? He looked old enough to be their Dad or teacher, unbelievable.
They were American Orthodox Jews,religious cultist extremists who are taught to despise and ridicule anyone other than them.
A lot of people have pointed out that these guards are actually serving soldiers and many have seen action in Afghanistan etc but just to be clear... they did not go to war in bright red uniforms :-) This is a ceremonial uniform purely for this task and when they are at war they will be in proper camo etc. The same applies to the guards in overcoats and tall furry hats you might see at Buckingham Palace. They are normal soldiers whose regiment has been given the honour of sending some of their members to take a rotation as palace guards. Even the very ornate 'Beefeaters' you see at the Tower Of London are decorated retired soldiers.
Dude, tourists in general can be obnoxious and cause trouble. We’re certainly not immune from it ourselves. This isn’t just an American thing. You’re still our bros across the pond 🇬🇧 🇺🇸
I hear there are quite a lot of Brits in Prague on stagdos wearing funny costumes like dressing up as a penis. They have even passed a law banning these costumes on the streets of Prague specifically because of the Brits😂
It’s mainly an American thing, but you’re still right
It is an army barracks which most people don't appreciate. The tourists are lucky to have the access which can be withdrawn at any time.
So this is Horse Guard parade staffed by serving soldiers at the front usually two are on horses throughout the day. The armed police are there to assist the soldiers and to maintain the safety and prevent a terrorist incident, at the tower of London you have what is known as the beefeaters who are former military personnel who are selected for this role due to their excellent service record and they are not armed but have the ability to obtain armes if needed as well as police back up. Hope this makes sense and is helpful
now imagine British tourists doing something similar at something like the Tomb of the Unknown in Arlington
Or at the White House.
@@artistjoh I think asking the British to be on their best behaviour in the Whitehouse is probably too much to ask, we did afterall take it and burn it down back in 1812 was it?
No need, plenty of videos of American tourists doing just that.
Now just imagine how the only American in this video is the guy reacting to it. Because neither of the two groups in the video’s are American. The first are Israeli and the second are students at the Samiad international University located in the UK, and it’s for non English speaking students to learn how to speak English. The majority of the students are European, Middle Eastern, and Asian