A horse in the King’s Guard has almost passed out in sweltering London temperatures, forcing the officer to pull an alarm as concerned tourists watched the incident unfold at Whitehall
A member of the King’s Guard was forced to sound an emergency alarm after his horse almost collapsed in the scorching heat.
The stoic officer appeared concerned for the animal he sat atop, as the horse continuously dropped his head and stumbled on Monday. Concerned tourists watched on as the Guard firmly pressed an emergency alarm, as London was hit with sweltering 30 degree heat.
The footage captured by an onlooker shows the guardsman, dressed in a bright scarlet wool tunic and dark trousers, and his horse briefly waiting for another service member to relieve the animal from its station at Whitehall.
Then, after a tourist quickly takes an opportunity to take a picture with the horse, a soldier emerges from behind the gates to help. After the guard tends to the alarm, the soldier leads the horse and rider from their post outside of the Household Cavalry Museum to the safety of the shade.
The horse’s legs appeared to be unsteady in the heat as it vanished behind the gates. The footage, which has been viewed over 200,000 times, left many viewers shocked, with one writing: “This shouldn’t be happening.”
Another said: “Traditional or not, common sense prevails – it’s too flipping hot for both horse and human.” The moment comes just weeks after another of the King’s Guard horses became erratic in the late May heatwave, which saw the UK reach the hottest temperatures ever recorded at the time.
On the May bank holiday weekend, tourists scrambled out of the way as a horse became agitated in the blazing heat. Footage captured the moment the animal suddenly began circling outside Horse Guards Parade in central London, tossing its head and stamping around in front of stunned crowds.
In a rare break from strict protocol, another guard was seen emerging from the Horse Guards Building to calm the horse down, gently stroking it and attempting to settle it before it was eventually led away from the heat. In late June, continually rising temperatures impacted the traditional Changing of the Guard ceremonies at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle, which were cancelled for several days.
The ceremonies, which take place most days outside the royal residences, see visitors gather to see soldiers in their heavy bearskin hats and red tunic process to and from buildings to the sound of a military band, with horses taking part. The Army In London, which puts on the ceremonies, said they had to be cancelled in order to protect soldiers, horses and spectators, who watch the spectacle.
It explained in a statement: “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. 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.
