For British members (What's up with the Palace Guards)??

[IdesOmarch]

More specifically, their hats. First off, they look more Russian than something British. They really seem ridiculous, no offense. But they are obviously totally useless and maybe even dangerous for a real combat situation. I realize they should be dressed special, to denote their special guard status, but I can't get past those hats. I was interested in hearing what you thought of them, I'm sure they have some special meaning and origin, but from an outside view point, they seem a little ridiculous. I did notice they were carrying very modern special Bull Pup assault rifles, so they are at least equipped with real modern weapons, but I just can't get passed those hats. They look like Richard Simmons designed them or something.

This was inspired by the latest news on the Royal Wedding, the most special, elegant and possibly greatest soon to be special Princess in the world got one of the guards off Wedding duty due to her dissing him, and his talking negatively about her on Facebook, yes Facebook strikes again.

 

[Feralpeg]

I'm not British, but I happen to like their hats. Their total look just seems right for royal guards.

 

[Disnydad]

Not a Brit, but it was easy to find on the internet.

The hat is called a Bearskin and is made of real Canadian brown bearskin. It was copied from the French Napolean Imperial Guards which were defeated by the British at the battle of Waterloo in 1815. The hats are purely ceremonial.

Contrary to what you may have heard, the guards do not remain still. Every 10 minutes they march back and forth in front of their post.

 

[Kath2003]

The hats are just tradition. I don't suppose they serve any real purpose other than keeping the guards' heads dry in the rain.

They may "look ridiculous" but the guards in their ceremonial dress are something most tourists want to see. They also actually guard Buckingham Palace, y'know

 

[funnybunny]

I've never been to London however I live in the UK... I must say though, the hats are rather sexy and seeing the guards are just one of the things I would look forward to if I were to book a trip to London

 

[Aisling]

Contrary to what you may have heard, the guards do not remain still. Every 10 minutes they march back and forth in front of their post.

The guards need different shoes; they're always slipping and falling!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xUKdwYK-gCI&feature=related

It's 25 seconds into the video. I've seen this with my own eyes, TWICE, but with the Tower of London guards.

 

[MomofKatie]

If you think the Royal Guard hats are funny looking, look up the Vatican's Swiss Guard. They are some funky outfits! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vatican-Guard/102187573155829

 

[plutotek]

If you think the Royal Guard hats are funny looking, look up the Vatican's Swiss Guard. They are some funky outfits! http://www.facebook.com/pages/Vatican-Guard/102187573155829

And that pic didn't even have them wearing the 'conquistador' helmets.

 

[Planogirl]

How about the guys that guard the Tower of London, the Beefeaters?

 

[Jennasis]

It';s just ceremonial. The pope wears a stupid looking hat too.