Have you ever wondered about those serious-looking guards in red jackets and big black hats in London? They’re called the Queen’s Guards, and they have some pretty interesting facts about them that you might not know!
The Queen’s Guards are the soldiers who protect the royal family in London, the capital city of the UK. They’re famous for their bright red jackets, tall black furry hats, and their serious expressions. But there’s a lot more to them than meets the eye!
One common myth is that the guards can’t speak. That’s not true! They can shout warnings like “Make way for the Queen’s Guard” if someone gets in their way. And if a tourist doesn’t move, the guards can actually push them aside!
Even though the guards have to stand still, they do get to move a little. Every 10 minutes, they march a few steps to stay healthy. But if they feel faint, they have to fall in a special way called “faint to attention,” staying in position even as they fall!
One of the toughest parts of their job is that they can’t leave their post for bathroom breaks. They have to manage right where they are, but luckily, their black trousers help hide any embarrassment.
In spring and summer, the guards wear red jackets, while in fall and winter, they switch to long gray coats to keep warm. The color of their jackets doesn’t change with the Queen’s mood, as some funny stories suggest!
The guards are trained not to smile or laugh, even when tourists try to make them. If a guard is caught smiling, they could lose a week’s pay! But sometimes, people are just too funny, and the guards can’t help but laugh.
The guards dislike hot weather because their boots’ polish can melt in the sun, meaning they have to re-polish them after their shift. Plus, their hats get heavier when it rains because they soak up water!
The guards’ tall hats are made from real fur to make them look taller and more intimidating. They’re heavy, weighing up to nine pounds, and the strap under their nose helps prevent neck injuries if the hat is hit.
To become a Queen’s Guard, you need to pass a special test called the BARB, which checks your problem-solving skills. You also need to be tall, at least five feet ten inches!
It’s often thought that the red jackets were chosen to hide blood during battles, but the real reason is that red dye was easy to get and only needed one step to make.
Even with all their rules, the guards do have some fun. During the changing of the guard ceremony, the band sometimes plays fun songs like the Star Wars theme or Indiana Jones music!
So, what do you think is the hardest part of being a Queen’s Guard? Maybe it’s the bathroom situation! Let us know what you think, and if you learned something new, share it with a friend!
Imagine you are designing a new uniform for the Queen’s Guards. Use paper, colored pencils, or digital tools to create a drawing of your design. Think about the colors, materials, and any special features your uniform might have. Share your design with the class and explain why you chose those elements.
Learn the basic steps of a marching drill similar to the Queen’s Guards. Practice marching in place and then try marching in a straight line with your classmates. Remember to keep a serious face just like the guards do! Discuss how it feels to stay focused and serious while marching.
In groups, choose one of the myths about the Queen’s Guards mentioned in the article. Research more about it and prepare a short presentation to explain why it’s a myth and what the truth is. Present your findings to the class and answer any questions your classmates might have.
Conduct a simple experiment to understand how weather affects the guards’ uniforms. Use different materials to simulate the guards’ hats and jackets, then test how they react to heat and rain. Record your observations and discuss how these conditions might impact the guards during their duties.
Imagine you are a Queen’s Guard for a day. Write a diary entry describing your experiences, challenges, and any funny moments you encounter. Be creative and include details about your feelings and thoughts while on duty. Share your diary entry with a partner and discuss what you found most interesting about the guards’ lives.
Guards – People who protect a person or place – The guards stood outside the museum to ensure everything was safe during the event.
London – The capital city of England and the United Kingdom – During our social studies class, we learned about the history of London and its famous landmarks.
Jackets – Outer garments worn for warmth or fashion – The actors wore colorful jackets as part of their costumes in the school play.
Hats – Head coverings worn for protection or as a fashion accessory – The dancers wore tall hats to match their elegant costumes during the performance.
Royal – Relating to a king, queen, or their family – The royal family attended the ceremony, and everyone was excited to see them.
Soldiers – Members of an army who serve and protect their country – In history class, we discussed how soldiers played a crucial role in defending their nation.
Myths – Traditional stories that explain natural or social phenomena – We read myths from different cultures to understand how people explained the world around them.
Uniform – A special set of clothes worn by members of the same organization – The students wore their school uniform for the annual parade.
Weather – The state of the atmosphere at a particular place and time – The weather was perfect for the outdoor concert, with clear skies and a gentle breeze.
Ceremony – A formal event held on special occasions – The graduation ceremony was a memorable event for all the students and their families.
