13 March 2024 , 10:25
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The moment Brit police stepped in to reprimand American tourists heckling a royal guard was caught on camera.
The visitors were filmed shouting a series of names at the guard at the Household Cavalry off Whitehall and trying to provoke a reaction whilst he was doing his job when the armed police officer came to his defence. Footage of the moment was shared on TikTok as the tourists were promptly asked to leave.
In the clip, the group of around six tourists were pointing a camera and shouting names in a bid to get him to respond or move from his post. As two officers sidled over, one goes to speak directly to the guard.
The guard then moves to respond as the tourists cheered. Unamused, the cop jumped in telling them to stop "taking the p***" as he reminded them they were not "an object of ridicule".
Shutting down the group, the cop says: "These soldiers serve their country. They take their job seriously. They are responsible for protecting this facility, they are not an object of ridicule."
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The officer quickly humbled the cackling tourists, reminding them the guard had a 'tiring and exhausting' job to do (TikTok/@kallum643564)
The group had been harassing the guard, yelling names like 'Toby' and 'Montgomery' in an apparent attempt to get him to react for the camera (TikTok/@kallum643564)"Appreciate you are having fun, he's not having fun, he's got a long day, it's a lot of hours he's got to do. It is tiring, it is exhausting, and you are taking the p*** out of him. We do not appreciate that and I will ask you to leave the facility."
Onlookers watched the moment unfold in shock before the group then turned to leave. Video of the interaction was shared by user Kallum on TikTok, racking up 1.8million views.
Viewers rushed to support of the cop and the guard as they criticised tourists' jibes at guards at London attractions, with one writing that some "think they're at Disneyland". Viewers were quick to praise the police officer, with one writing: "Officer handled this like a champ."
Another wrote: "Well done to that police officer." Explaining the interaction, one person said it's become "a thing" for tourists to try and make Palace guards "react or laugh".
The tourists were curtly told to 'stop taking the p***' and asked to leave (TikTok/@kallum643564)A third person wrote: "Tourists should have more respect for countries they are visiting." A fourth wrote: "Couldn't imagine acting like this. Even when I'm in other countries and see military guards, you just keep quiet and respect them."
Contrary to popular belief, members of the Royal Guard are able to speak in very specific circumstances, particularly if people get too close or become aggressive. They are also unable to pose or smile for pictures, with their role meaning they are unable to leave their post until they are relieved from duty.
Footage of a King's guard screaming at a tourist went viral in April last year when the tourist tried to take a selfie and got too close. The woman was leaning in as someone took the shot when she got a fright as he screamed, 'do not touch the King's Life Guard!'.
The clip, shared on kingsguardofficial, was viewed millions of times and triggered debate over whether his reaction was justified. Guards often have to stand for two hour shifts regardless of the weather and can be fined if they break to pose for photographs.