For the first time in history, French troops will guard Buckingham Palace as part of a ceremony approved by King Charles to mark the 120th anniversary of the Entente Cordiale. On Monday, 32 soldiers from the Republican Guard of the National Gendarmerie will join 40 Guardsmen from F Company Scots Guards in the Changing the Guard ceremony.
The event commemorates the 1904 agreement that settled colonial disputes and strengthened Anglo-French relations. A similar ceremony will take place in Paris earlier that day, with 16 soldiers from Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards joining French troops to guard the Elysee Palace.
Garrison Sergeant Major Andrew Stokes, responsible for ceremonial training, said: 'It is crucial for everyone in Nato to have a strong relationship. This is an opportunity to celebrate the 120th anniversary and demonstrate our close relations with the French.' Lieutenant Colonel James Shaw added: 'The French are some of our closest friends.'
Public reaction on social media has been mixed, with some expressing anxiety or disapproval, while others welcomed the historic event. The ceremony will include the Band of the Grenadier Guards performing both national anthems and Anglo-French music.
