Famous for their unflappable nature and stern expression, the Queen’s Guards are almost as much of a tourist attraction as the magnificent royal buildings themselves.
While it seems that fishing for a reaction from the guards has become a rite of passage for many tourists, most guards can easily hold their composure while others are quickly fed up with the annoying behaviour.
Recent footage of a woman’s violent run-in with a royal guard has gone viral due to the guard’s surprisingly aggressive reaction.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=_8Af4xxPoiU
The tourist was outside the famous Windsor Castle on the wrong side of a roped-off area when she was shoved by the guard.
She was blocking the guard’s path as he continued his stride and aggressively shoved her away. The woman let out a shocked scream and tripped forward several steps only to be caught by another man in the line.
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The footage has people divided on how justified the guard’s reaction was considering the behaviour of the tourist.
Many Twitter users were upset with the violent reaction and said pushing the woman was uncalled for.
One user wrote: “Nope sorry this just doesn’t sit right with me. And those justifying it are everything that’s wrong with society. The get out of my way lot. Yes, she shouldn’t of been there. Tell them don’t shove them. #queensguard.”
While others praised the guard saying he was doing his job and the tourist should not have gotten in the way.
Another wrote: “Really don’t think people realise these are real soldiers, not a tourist attraction. These lads were touring Afghanistan not so long ago and are trained whilst on ceremony duties to uphold the laws, one of those is they do not stop for a photo, MAKE WAY FOR THE QUEENS GUARD.”
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This is not the first time the reaction of the Queen’s Guards has caused controversy online.
In 2015 a video was released of a guard pointing his rifle at a tourist who begun mimicking his march before taking it too far when he placed a hand on the guard’s shoulder.
The guard was quick to respond by pulling out his rifle and shouting at the tourist to, “Get back from the Queen’s Guard!”
According to Reddit user nibs123, who spent time as a Queen’s Guard, the guards are allowed to use their weapons if they are feeling in danger, however the guns are usually not loaded unless there has been a major security threat.
He also mentioned that around 200 people will try to get a reaction from the guards daily, although they are very rarely successful.
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