10 Facts about the British Royal Guard that show how complex their job is

The British Royal Guard is made up of those men (and now also women) dressed in red and with big black fur hats, which we know from appearing in all the photographs, postcards and souvenirs from London. These “figures” surrounded by tourists and visitors, who look like statues at their posts, have a facet unknown to many.

At the awesome.club We bring you a list of some of the most extraordinary and best kept secrets of the British royal family’s protective guards.

British royal house guards have three shifts of two hours each throughout the day. During these shifts, your duty is to be completely steady and not moving. They can’t go to the bathroom, laugh, adjust their hats, or even scratch their noses.

The hat worn by royal guards is part of the tradition and is known as bearskin (bear’s skin). This iconic accessory, whose origins date back to the 17th century, is standardized in size and weight, measuring 45.72 cm and 680 grams and made from Canadian black bear skin. The main objective is to intimidate the opponent. When wearing these hats, guards appear taller and convey a more uniform and frightening image.

Have you ever wondered why these men are so serious and never smile? This is due to a fine they can receive if they smile. If a superior notices this gesture in one of the guards, the fine can reach the equivalent of 1,400 reais.

Members of the British Royal Guard are instructed to pass out on their stomachs, to cause as little scandal and uproar as possible, so that others can continue their work as normal.

During these guards’ two-hour shift, they cannot leave their posts. That’s right, although the time is not excessive, if they feel like going to the bathroom, they have to hold on and wait to go.

The truth is, these guards put up with a multitude of circumstances and situations, displaying stoic patience. But, yes, they can react to pranksters who try to play pranks on them. When people get in the way or get in the way, they scream Make way for the Queen’s guard! (“Open the way to the Queen’s Guard”). If you ignore the warning, the guards will continue on their way without stopping, even if they have to push you, as they are prohibited from stopping in these situations. If any of them see that you are crossing a line or breaking a rule, they will ask you to back off. And if you disobey, they will resort to force.

The posture must be firm during the guard. But they also move from time to time. Every ten minutes, these men click their heels and make a 20-step path around their guardhouse to secure and check the perimeter. After this short march, they return to the starting point.

These guards are in charge of protecting Buckingham Palace, the official residence of the Queen of England. But they also watch over other Elizabeth II family properties. In total, the British royal house has 20 residences, including: Windsor Castle, St. James and Kensington Palace.

Until a few years ago, women were not admitted to the British Royal Guard, but that changed in 2017. That year, Canadian officer Megan Cuoto (aged 24) was the first woman to lead a changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace. Since then it is possible to see more women in the group.

The red color of their clothes was adopted because it allowed them to identify the group during battles. In addition, this hue is associated with the royal family, as it is the color traditionally used by British monarchs.

Can you imagine being part of the British Royal Guard? Have you visited (even if outside) any of the royal family’s residences? Did you see the guards?