Why do the Queens guards not talk?

There are circumstances in which they are allowed to speak…

…but you probably don't want to be on the receiving end. Guards “are allowed to get [people] away by shouting… warnings if they fail to move away or start to act aggressively,” the Reddit guard says.

Why can't the royal guard talk?

Although we'd be forgiven for believing that the Queen's guards have taken a vow of silence while in post, they can indeed speak on some occasions. Although we do not recommend provoking them to do so, the can speak (or more specifically yell) if visitors come to close to them or acts aggressively.

What are the Queen's guards not allowed to do?

Traditionally the Queen's Guards are not allowed to move. Typically, a Guardsman spends two hours on duty and four off. He is not expected to stand still for any more than ten minutes at a time. Every so often, he will march up and down in front of his sentry box, rather like a policeman "walking the beat".

Do queens guards get in trouble for smiling?

The Queen's guards are expected to act with discipline, which explains the lifeless expressions during sentry. The guards' pay is dependent on upholding this etiquette, if they're caught smiling or laughing on duty, they can be fined up to £200.

Are Queens Guards guns loaded?

Those guns aren't loaded…

The Guard's intimidating weapons only have ammo in them when they are aware of a potential serious security threat. The guard on Reddit, who uses the username “nibs123,” says that he has never carried a loaded gun as a Guardsman.

11 Secrets the Queen's Guard Don't Like to Speak About

What happens if a Royal Guard needs to pee?

Those big hats or 'Bearskins' are actually made of sponge and by means of a discreet pipe and pump arrangement are able to absorb over a gallon of urine. The 'furry' outer layer then evaporates the urine and this can go on for several days until a standard British rainstorm washes them off.

What happens if a queens guard laughs?

Guards are actively serving the Queen and must follow strict rules such as no laughing. Though some rumours suggest guards are fined if they are caught laughing while on duty, they do not have to cough up a hefty fine, according to reports online.

Can females be queens guards?

Women and the guard

In April 2007, the first women from a British Army unit served on detachments of the Queen's Guard, when the King's Troop, Royal Horse Artillery took over the guard at Windsor Castle, and the Army Air Corps took on public duties in London.

What happens if you touch one of the Queen's Guards?

In fact you could be arrested for it.

They are soldiers on duty guarding the Queen, and touching them without permission constitutes an assault. However, they would normally shout a warning at you first, then present their bayonets towards you.

Why can't you touch the royal family?

PDA is strongly discouraged. There are no official rules forbidding public displays of affection, but the late Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip set a precedent encouraging royals to keep touching to a minimum.

What happens to a Royal Guard if they smile?

As a result, if a Buckingham Palace guard is seen to be smiling while on duty, they may be reprimanded or even removed from their post. Furthermore, this breach of etiquette could also be seen as a sign of disrespect to the royal family, who are often present within the grounds of the palace.

How much do the Queen's guards get paid?

The Queen's Guards are employed by the British Army, so how much they get paid is dependent on their rank. The average salary for a soldier in the UK is £20,400 per annum.

How long do the Queen's guards stand for?

Guardsmen will have two hours on sentry duty and four hours off. However, do not be surprised if on some occasions you do not see the traditional guardsmen, in their scarlet tunics, particularly in August when other regiments often guard 'The King'.

Why do queens guards wear big hats?

When were the Queen's Guard caps introduced? The hats were created after the British Army defeated Napoleon at the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. It was thought that the 19-inch tall caps would make soldiers look taller and more intimidating to their enemies.

Do the Queen's guards go to war?

They are Queen's Guards and are fully-trained operational soldiers — and most have been deployed to combat zones. The guards are hand picked from five different infantry regiments and identified by the various details of their uniform such as button spacing, color badges, and the plumes in the bearskin caps.

How heavy is a bearskin hat?

The tradition of wearing bearskins on ceremonial occasions and for guard duty continues to this day. These headdresses are made with real bearskins. Each hat is 18 inches (46 cm) tall, and weighs 1.5 pounds (. 7 kg).

What is the height requirement for Queen's Guard?

The Queen's guards aren't as tall as they used to be

'The height requirement has been brought down to 5' 10", but traditionally, if you were in the Queen's Company within the Grenadier Guards, you had to be 6' 2" or over. They were known as “the models” because they were so tall.

Are Queens guards trained soldiers?

The men who stand guard outside Buckingham Palace and certain other royal palaces are in fact some of the best-trained soldiers in the British army. They belong to a number of historic regiments, such as the Grenadier Guards or the Scots Guards.

Can you take a picture with the Queen's guard?

Can you take a picture with the Queens guards? You're definitely welcome to have your picture taken with the Guards. They're used to it and it won't be an issue. Just remember they're working.

What are queens guards hats made of?

Bear pelts that are used for the Queen's Guards ceremonial caps are the by-products of these licenced culls, as opposed to fur being harvested from an animal being bred for this sole purpose.

Do the Queen's guards do anything?

“The Queen's Guard” comprise of various soldiers tasked with guarding the residences of the Queen and, by extension, the Queen herself. Consisting of soldiers (mostly) hand-picked from five elite regiments within the British military, the Queen's Guards are internationally renowned for their stoic dedication to duty.

How long do royal guards stay on duty?

Post Procedure For The Guards

The guards at Buckingham Palace and St James Palace are on duty for 24 or 48 hours. During that time a Guardsman will have 2 hours on sentry duty and then 4 hours off.

Do royal guards get paid?

make? As of Dec 22, 2022, the average annual pay for a Royal Guard in the United States is $36,237 a year.

Why do royal guards wear red?

According to a guard who spoke to Insider at a royal event in May, the bright-red color of the tunics is rooted in tradition and helps cover up blood stains. Insider's reporters attended a Trooping the Colour event in May overseen by Major General C J Ghika and spoke to a foot guard there.

Who will carry the queens coffin?

The pallbearers hail from the Queen's Company, the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards. 'It's their role to protect her body, both in life and in death, remaining in the Queen's Company until King Charles decides otherwise,' explained Major Adrian Weale to the PA.