The extreme heat in London is bringing one of the most famous royal traditions to a temporary halt: The ceremonial Changing of the Guard in front of Buckingham Palace and at Windsor Castle has been canceled for three days - Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. King Charles III (77) himself, however, is sticking to his schedule.
The background is a heat wave that currently has Britain firmly in its grip. A red weather warning for extreme heat has been issued for parts of England and Wales - the highest alert level, which indicates potential danger to life and limb. Temperatures near the 104-degree mark are expected.
Protection for soldiers, horses and spectators
The military unit responsible for the ceremonies, the Household Division, justifies the decision by citing the protection of all involved. A statement says: "We take the welfare of our soldiers and military horses very seriously." They are therefore following the recommendations of authorities to limit travel and outdoor activities in order to "reduce risks to military personnel and horses and - most importantly - to the public."
Beyond the main ceremony, duty schedules have also been adjusted. The King's Life Guard already changed at Horse Guards at eight o'clock on Wednesday without ceremony "to avoid heat stress for the horses." Soldiers on guard duty in their characteristic heavy red uniforms and tall bearskin caps were moved into the shade and relieved more frequently than usual. The changing of the guard normally ranks among the biggest tourist attractions around the palace and draws numerous onlookers.
King Charles sticks to his schedule
King Charles is completing three appointments on Wednesday despite the heat: a reception for the Afghan Women's Refugee Cricket Team at Clarence House, an appearance at London Climate Week, and a meeting with the charity organization REORG at a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu academy.
