I’m a member of the King’s Guard – this is what I’m supposed to do if I’m going to pass out
A Royal Guard for King Charles has candidly revealed the finer details of their much-discussed role on Reddit.
The UK-based Guard – who has remained anonymous for security reasons – opened up the myths surrounding the prestigious job on Reddit in 2022.
By posting to the r/IAmI subreddit, the Guard offered to answer any burning questions anyone had about the work it takes to protect the King, but reminded users that confidential information should not be made public.
The after received an overwhelming response from curious Royal fans, with a total of 11,000 votes and 2,500 comments.
The guard – whose username is u/QueensGuard62 on the social news site – answered a variety of questions, from what the protocol is if a guard passes out, to what happens if they have to use the restroom.
A King’s Guard took to Reddit to answer a variety of questions from curious Royal fans – from what the protocol is when a Guard passes out, to what happens when they have to use the restroom (Photo: Getty)
De Garde stated that there is ‘a lot of false information and myths’ about the role of the Royal and wrote: ‘I would like to answer any topical questions anyone has about us!
(Obviously confidential information cannot be made public, I will still comment, just letting you know I can’t share it). For security reasons, I don’t share my social media or pictures of my face.”
Thousands of questions poured in from people asking what has typically preoccupied the public for years – such as the Royal Protocol – and focusing on the finer details of the work.
In response to a question about ‘keeping a straight face’ during the service, the guard said, ‘Despite popular belief, we don’t have laughter training; we are only expected to get on with it and be professional.
“If you laugh you won’t get fined hundreds of pounds and fired or whatever, but you’ll get a few tickets before some big action.”
The Guard then revealed how they achieved the coveted position, explaining that they first had to undergo training at the Catterick Infantry Training Center in North Yorkshire.
The intensive course consists of combat, unarmed and combat training, as well as boxing and martial arts. If you work with the police, additional specific training is provided.
Once you pass, many ‘hard tests’ are administered, while fitness, impeccable practice and uniformity are necessary at all times to get the job.
Thousands of questions poured in from people wondering what has typically preoccupied the public for years – such as the Royal Protocol – as well as focusing on the finer details of the work
Referring to one of the most common questions about what a guard should do if he feels sick or faint, the guard said, “If I can’t continue my duty and it poses a safety risk or if I’m really going to die, then ‘I’ll call just and arrange for a replacement.’
The protocol behind passing out or passing out is a bit more complicated. De Garde wrote: ‘It gets extremely difficult when it’s hot, and people pass out.
“If they tell anyone in advance, they will be marched into the palace. If they don’t, my police will just check until someone can catch them, which can happen more often than you think.”
In the event that you need to use the toilet and can’t hold it during your shift, the guard confirmed that it’s likely you’ll just have to urinate yourself.
They said, ‘Normally we’re fine with just going to the bathroom just before we get to work, and we’re fine with it for the duration of the shift, if it’s really bad, and you p** If you don’t yourself, you’ll pee yourself, but you might have to put those pants back on in a few hours.’
In the event that you need to use the toilet and can’t hold it during your shift, the guard confirmed that it is likely that you will simply have to urinate yourself
So, what is really the proper etiquette behind wanting to take a picture next to the guards? De Garde confirmed: “I’m more inclined to pose for a photo if someone asks, even if I can’t answer.”
“Sometimes I just nod to show I’m friendly. If someone is a nuisance, maybe I can jump out.’
The Guardian then defines the pros and cons of the role, saying, “Pros might be seeing ‘cool’ things and going places, seeing people and doing things the public can’t.”
“I think there are drawbacks: you’re based in London to do the guards. If you live in Scotland, for example, it’s expensive to go home for a weekend or annual leave.’
In 2022, FIVE soldiers passed out while on duty, as 20-degree temperatures seemed to take their toll on the guards outside St Paul’s Cathedral for the late Queen’s thanksgiving service.