Queen’s Royal Guards Moved Behind Palace Gates For Fear Of Islamist Terror Attack
Unprecedented action has been taken by the royal family in Britain, as the decision was made to withdraw the Queen’s Royal Guards, who stand outside Buckingham Palace’s gates in their furry hats, symbolically guarding the royal family, to the safety of the Palace courtyard.
Security chiefs made the decision to take the action, following mounting fears of “lone wolf” terrorist attacks by Muslim extremists, affiliated with ISIS and other militant groups.
As reported by Reuters. for the first time since the height of the IRA’s terror campaign, the Royal Guards are also no longer allowed on sentry duty alone, and are now accompanied by armed police.
A retired officer, Major Iain Dalzel-Job of the Scots Guards told the Mail on Sunday, “I think this is a big shame. The reason people know we’re around is because they can see us. But I suppose the changes are necessary as there is a significant threat.”
In other security measures, in the face of Islamist threats at Clarence House, the official residence of Prince Charles, the guardsmen who used to stand in front of the gates on The Mall, a public road, have now been relocated, along with their sentry boxes, behind metal gates.
One of the most popular tourist attractions, involving pictures with the curious looking, furry-hatted guards, as well as trying to make them smile, laugh and move, as they are trained to stand perfectly still and not react to onlookers and visitors, is no non-existent, as the Royal Guards are now barely visible.
The Standard reported that former guards welcomed the changes, saying they felt increasingly threatened while on duty.
One guard told reporters, “We’re fully in favour as if an attack on a sentry can happen in Canada it can happen here. By moving behind the railings we’ve got a chance to respond, most likely saving lives. The changes were introduced in response to the Canadian attack and because there’s been a sharp rise in people armed with mobile phones trying to wind up the sentries and make them lose their temper.”
To backup those sentiments, former Welsh guardsman Terry O’Shea said, “Moving the Guardsmen back to a more secure area seems an honourable retreat given the danger posed by the terrorists. We have got to strike a balance between not compromising our traditions and protecting our soldiers.”
When called upon for comment, Buckingham Palace and the Met Police would not reveal anything regarding security matters, while the Ministry of Defence simply assured, “We routinely review security arrangements.”
