The Tower of London is an extremely popular tourist destination and for anyone visiting England, London in particular, it’s often at the top of the list of things to do. Each year, an estimated 3 million tourists visit the tower, which features many attractions, including the Crown Jewels, tours of the historic grounds, and even photo opportunities with the guards.
This is a unique opportunity to see the Queen’s guard in action. They are a unique bunch, trained to stand completely still with a straight face that shows absolutely no sign of emotion. Tourists tend to try to have a little bit of fun with guards, attempting to get a reaction from them, usually with attempts to make them laugh.
I suppose that it is all in good fun, but anyone visiting the Tower and interacting with the Queen’s Guard should remember that they are actually trained soldiers who serve their country in a unique way—they are not a tourist attraction placed there for your entertainment. As soldiers, and even just as people, they deserve your respect.
During a visit to the tower last year, a female tourist had to be reminded of her manners, and that she should be more respectful of the men serving their country. Trying to be funny, the woman threw her glove at the feet of the guard, in an area she could not enter. Presumably, she thought the guard should break his stance and pick up her glove. That’s when a Yeoman Warder intervened. The Yeoman Warders are recognizable in their uniforms and they are also Armed Forces veterans with years of service.
One such veteran spoke up for the guard: “The army’s here to protect the Crown Jewels, they’re not here for the public to make fun of.”
Watch how the woman learns her lesson in the video below. Please share this story to remind others to show respect when visiting historic places.
