Curious about how to faint like a royal guard? Or maybe you're just interested in watching people collapse while maintaining perfect posture? Stick around, because we've got just the thing.
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00:00Curious about how to faint like a Royal Guard?
00:02Or maybe you're just interested in watching people collapse while maintaining perfect posture?
00:06Stick around, because we've got just the thing.
00:08Certain professions come with strict rules, especially those tied to the military.
00:12Few roles, however, demand the unflinching discipline, endurance, and poise expected of the Queen's Royal Guard during Queen Elizabeth II's reign.
00:21This prestigious unit, one of the oldest in the British Army, dates back to King Henry VII's era.
00:27Serving in this position is a matter of honour, and with it comes a set of rigorous protocols.
00:32Guards must avoid smiling, laughing, or reacting to the crowds.
00:36They must endure long hours without bathroom breaks, and yes, they even have to learn how to faint correctly.
00:41But how exactly does one faint the right way while on duty?
00:44Royal Guards are trained to faint to attention, which is why they often end up flat on the ground, arms at their sides, if they pass out.
00:51The protocol is simple. If a soldier feels faint, they must fall forward onto their front while maintaining a tight grip on their rifle, ensuring their body remains in proper form, even in unconsciousness.
01:01Major Dye Bevan of the Welsh Guards explained the technique to the Express, highlighting just one of the many unique demands placed on those tasked with guarding the British Sovereign.
01:11It will probably involve a broken nose and a whole lot of missing teeth.
01:15Fainting during royal ceremonies isn't uncommon, and it struck again when a guard collapsed while standing vigil at Queen Elizabeth II's coffin in Westminster.
01:23As crowds who had waited for hours to pay their respects looked on in shock, the live broadcast briefly cut out while police rushed to help.
01:31Meanwhile, the other guards, following strict protocol, remained motionless.
01:36Members of the Sovereign's Bodyguard, Household Division, and Yeoman Warders of the Tower of London took turns guarding the Queen's coffin 24 hours a day when she was lying in state.
01:45Positioned at each corner of the casket, the guards stood still for six hours per shift, rotating every 20 minutes.
01:51So, how do guards prevent fainting during such gruelling duty?
01:55Garrison Sergeant Major Billy Mott shared some strategies with the Express.
01:59He advises guards to prepare physically by exercising beforehand, staying hydrated, and engaging their muscles while standing.
02:06By subtly wiggling their toes and tensing their calves, guards can promote circulation and reduce the risk of fainting during their long, demanding shifts.
02:14If you are resting on your heels, the blood doesn't flow back to the brain.
02:17If you hydrate, wiggle your toes. If you've eaten scoff in the morning, then you're fine.
02:21Royal guards have faced challenges staying upright for years.
02:24In 2016, two guards fainted within the first two days of Queen Elizabeth's 90th birthday celebrations, one outside St. Paul's Cathedral and the other during the Trooping the Colour parade.
02:34The following year saw even more incidents, with at least five guards collapsing during the same parade.
02:40Despite these occurrences, the guards are trained to maintain composure and follow strict protocol, even in extreme conditions.
02:47A spokesperson at the time acknowledged the incidents, attributing them to the physical demands of the role.
02:52We can confirm that during the Queen's birthday parade today, a small number of soldiers fainted.
02:57It is an extremely hot day, and all were removed from the parade and checked by medical staff where they were hydrated.
03:04It's not just British royal guards who struggle during lengthy ceremonies.
03:07At Sweden's Prince Julian's christening in 2021, a guard fainted flat on his back before the event even began.
03:14Similarly, in 2018, another Swedish guard collapsed during Princess Adrienne's christening.
03:19Denmark also had a notable incident when a soldier fainted during a gala for Queen Margrethe and was swiftly removed before guests arrived.
03:26With soldiers dropping during formal events, it's no surprise there are protocols on how to fall while maintaining military posture.
03:33These measures allow comrades to easily avoid the fallen guard as attendants quickly whisk them away, ideally before too many cameras capture the scene.
03:41Given these frequent incidents, it might be time to reconsider the heavy uniforms.
03:45After all, staying upright on a hot day while wearing a thick ceremonial outfit with a large hat sounds like a tall order for anyone.
03:52Lighter uniforms could reduce the risk, ensuring soldiers stand strong throughout these prestigious events.