The Queen's Guard, stationed at Buckingham Palace, are not just ceremonial figures, but highly trained and elite soldiers. To be selected, recruits must meet strict physical, mental, and experiential conditions, including being at least 5'10" and being decorated members of one of the seven most exclusive regiments of the British Army. Guardsmen are not allowed to smile, laugh, or respond to tourists, and any breach of duty can result in imprisonment. They wear heavy uniforms, including 13-pound bearskin hats, and are trained to remain standing even after fainting due to heat and exhaustion. If a guard is touched or threatened, they will take down the perpetrator with force. The guards' duties are taken extremely seriously, and they are willing to endure extreme conditions to fulfill their role.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
1. The Queen's Guard is an ancient order of England's most trustworthy, dedicated, and highly trained soldiers.
2. The Queen's Guard has been protecting the British monarch since at least 1660.
3. The Queen's Guard was previously responsible for the safety of the most powerful person in England, who held absolute power.
4. The Queen's Guard has been involved in some of England's greatest military victories.
5. The Queen's Guard is made up of highly trained soldiers who must meet strict physical, mental, and experiential conditions.
6. To qualify for the Queen's Guard, potential recruits must be at least 5'10" tall.
7. Guardsmen must be decorated members of one of the seven most exclusive regiments of the British Army.
8. Guardsmen are not allowed to volunteer for the Queen's Guard; they must be recommended.
9. Guardsmen are not allowed to smile or react to hecklers while on duty.
10. If a guard is physically touched or violently threatened, they are allowed to respond.
11. The Queen's Guard is known for their distinctive uniforms, which include a bear skin hat that weighs between 5 and 13 pounds.
12. The Queen's Guard is trained to remain standing even after fainting due to heat stroke or other conditions.
13. Guardsmen frequently pass out from heat stroke during the summer months due to their heavy uniforms and lack of water or bathroom breaks.
14. Guardsmen are trained on how to remain standing even after blacking out.
15. The phenomenon of "fainting to attention" is when a guard falls flat on their face unconscious but still maintains their posture.
16. Fainting to attention is highly applauded among royal guards and is seen as a rite of passage for new guards.
17. Elizabeth II has been the aim of the Queen's Guard's efforts since 1952.
18. The Queen's Guard has seen more than 10 generations of active-duty guardsmen since Elizabeth II's reign began.