The Royal Guard is a quintessential symbol of England, characterized by its red uniform and tall black bearskin hat. These royal guards have been protecting the monarchy since the 17th century, but there are many interesting secrets about them that not everyone knows.
The British Royal Guard was established in 1660, meaning they have been protecting the monarchy for 361 years.
Traditionally, members of the Royal Guard are required to have an average height of about 1.83 meters, although this requirement has recently been lowered to 1.78 meters.
Before joining, candidates must pass an assessment by the British Army. This is a skills test used to evaluate the analytical and problem-solving abilities of the candidates.
The Royal Guards undergo a rigorous training course that can last up to 30 weeks, covering everything from weapon handling to martial arts and marching skills.
The salary of a Royal Guard member depends on their rank. In 2022, their average salary was around £20,400 (approximately $25,000).
Although their salaries are not exceptional, Royal Guards enjoy other privileges, including meals and accommodation.
They are early risers, often required to practice at the barracks from 5:30 AM before starting their duties for the rest of the day.
For those working at Buckingham Palace, the Royal Guard is present around 10:45 AM. Each guard shift lasts 2 hours, followed by a 4-hour break.
Interacting with the public is not an easy task, especially since they are a major tourist attraction.
There have been countless incidents of harassment and abuse towards this force over the years, from being shouted at to having banana peels thrown on the ground in an attempt to make them slip!
The traditional bearskin hats worn by the British Royal Guard are a mark of honor in history. Initially, they were made from the fur of bears killed by soldiers of French Emperor Napoleon, giving them a strong symbolic meaning.
The hat gives soldiers a taller and more imposing appearance. However, it is certainly not comfortable, as they stand 46 cm tall and weigh 0.7 kg.
The standard requires the uniform of the guards to always be neat, clean, and shiny. Therefore, everyone must check their uniforms before marching.
During working hours, these guards are not allowed to take breaks for bathroom. However, standing still for long periods, combined with high temperatures leading to dehydration, can cause someone to faint.
If you observe long enough, you will see that sometimes they move by stepping left, taking a few steps, then returning to their position. This is necessary to keep the blood circulating.
They do not carry loaded rifles. Today, security tasks are actually handled by law enforcement agencies rather than the Royal Guard, which has a more ceremonial role. However, they still have the right to engage in close combat if the threat level is high.
The job requires a high level of discipline. If they violate protocol, the Royal Guards may be punished with detention at military prison. Smiling is also considered a violation.
Moreover, becoming a Royal Guard does not mean one is exempt from combat. Many have been deployed to serve on the front lines.
