Queen breaks tradition for Buckingham Palace guards as London temperatures reach 40C

The Queen's ceremonial guards were permitted to shelter from the heat yesterday, after midday temperatures reached a whopping 40C in London. 

• The Queen's ceremonial guards at multiple royal attractions were withdrawn on Tuesday as UK temperatures reached record-breaking heights of 40C. 
• Her Majesty's loyal troops were allowed to shelter from the blistering heat at midday yesterday, after photos of the bear-skinned guardsmen looking uncomfortably hot on duty raised concerns online. 
• In other royal news, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, and Prince Louis use these 'normal names' at school.
  

The Queen's ceremonial guards were allowed to abandon their usual positions on Tuesday as midday temperatures rose to a record-breaking 40C. 

The Ministry of Defence confirmed that the soldiers stationed at the Tower of London, Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, and Windsor Castle were withdrawn at noon due to the dangerous working conditions of the UK's blistering heatwave. However, those in the Royal Guardrooms were expected to remain on duty if needed to support the police. 

The decision was made just one day after photos of a police officer pouring water into the mouth of a thirsty guardsman on Sentry Duty, which requires standing completely still for two hours, circulated online. 

Royal fans were quick to voice their concerns over the welfare of the soldiers, who are required to wear uniforms of a heavy red tunic and bear-skinned hat even in the uncomfortably hot weather. The images have also fuelled dialogue over how hot is too hot to work, as trade unions call on the government to introduce a maximum temperature limit for workplaces in the UK. 

A spokesperson for the army has since shared details of the accommodations being made for the Queen's guards during this unprecedented heat. 

"The wellbeing of our soldiers is a priority at all times and we have put in place additional measures this week such as regular checks, flexible duties, and additional water to ensure they can continue to safely carry out their duties," they told Insider.

The Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace was also shortened on Monday, while on Tuesday, guards had their duties 'reduced' in light of the scorching temperatures.