Buckingham Palace has suspended the traditional Changing of the Guard ceremonies for three days due to the extreme heatwave gripping the nation. The suspension applies to ceremonies outside Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, as temperatures are forecast to reach nearly 40°C.
Heatwave Prompts Safety Concerns
The Met Office has issued a red weather warning for extreme heat in the south east of England on Wednesday and Thursday, warning of an exceptional spell of hot and humid weather. The warning states that impacts on the general population are highly likely. The Household Division, which oversees the ceremonial operations, said the suspension is necessary to ensure the safety of military personnel, horses, and the public who gather in large numbers to watch the ceremony.
Statement from the Household Division
A statement from the Household Division explained: "Due to the forecasted excessive temperatures expected this week across the country the daily Ceremonial Operations will be slightly changed to take the hot weather into account. We take the wellbeing of our soldiers and military working horses very seriously and like the rest of the country are aware of the forecasted excessive temperatures expected this week including a RED alert towards the middle of the week."
The statement added that the Met Office and other government agencies have recommended a reduction in travel and activities outside. To support this effort, there will be no ceremonial guard changes in Windsor and London on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. The King's Life Guard, the mounted troops at Horse Guards, will change without ceremony at 0800 on Wednesday to avoid heat stress to horses.
Measures for Soldiers on Guard
While soldiers are on guard, they have been moved to shaded positions and are changed more frequently, which is normal practice in hot weather. The Household Division acknowledged that this is a busy time of year for visitors and that the suspension may be disappointing, but emphasized that the wellbeing of the public, soldiers, and military working horses must be maintained at all times.
