The traditional Changing of the Guard ceremonies at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle have been cancelled for the remainder of the week due to sweltering temperatures, with the Met Office issuing a red weather warning for extreme heat.
Ceremonies Axed Amid Heatwave
The ceremonies, which take place most days outside the royal residences, attract visitors who gather to see soldiers in heavy bearskin hats and red tunics process to and from the buildings accompanied by a military band, with horses also taking part. However, with temperatures in London and the Windsor area forecast to reach up to 39°C in the coming days, the events scheduled for Wednesday and Thursday have been cancelled. The ceremony also did not take place on Tuesday.
The Army In London, which organises the ceremonies, stated that the cancellations were necessary to protect soldiers, horses, and spectators. In a statement, it said: "Due to forecasted excessive temperatures this week, including a red heat alert mid-week, there will be some important changes to Ceremonial Operations across London and Windsor. The well-being of our soldiers, military working horses, and the public who gather in large numbers to watch these events is always our priority. In line with advice from the Met Office and other Government agencies, who are recommending a reduction in travel and outdoor activities, the following changes are in place this week: There will be no ceremonial Guard Changes in Windsor or London on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday."
Adjustments to Guard Duties
The heatwave has also prompted changes to the usual guarding of royal buildings and other locations, such as Horse Guards Parade. The statement added: "On Wednesday, the King's Life Guard at Horse Guards will change without ceremony at 0800 to avoid heat stress to the horses. While soldiers are on Guard, you may notice they have been moved to shaded positions and are changed more frequently — this is normal practice in hot weather. We know this is a busy and popular time of year to visit, and we're sorry if this is disappointing. Thank you for your understanding, and please do follow the Met Office advice to stay safe in the heat."
The Household Troops, or Guards, have protected the Sovereign since 1660 and have been patrolling outside Buckingham Palace since Queen Victoria made it her official residence in 1837. During the Changing of the Guard ceremony, also known as Guard Mounting, the Old Guard (the soldiers currently on duty) line up in front of the Palace and are replaced by the New Guard, which arrives from Wellington Barracks accompanied by a Band or Corps of Drums.
Red Weather Warning and Temperature Forecast
The cancellations come as a 'heat dome' settles over western Europe, potentially bringing temperatures of nearly 40°C by Wednesday. This heatwave is expected to surpass the June record of 35.6°C set in Hampshire in 1976. The Met Office issued a red weather warning for extreme heat covering an area from London to Swansea and Somerset to Birmingham, in effect from 9am on Wednesday to 9pm on Thursday. The temperature could approach the UK's all-time high of 40.3°C, recorded in July 2022.
Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: "The Met Office is flagging 39C as a headline maximum temperature on Thursday, most likely for somewhere in London or the South East. It is possible we could see temperatures higher than 39°C if the final values are at the upper end of our narrow range."
