King Charles asks loud Changing of the Guard troops to 'keep noise down'

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King Charles has asked for the Changing of the Guard ceremony to be quieter in the mornings, reports say (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
King Charles has asked for the Changing of the Guard ceremony to be quieter in the mornings, reports say (Image: POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

King Charles has asked troops to keep noise made during the Changing of the Guard to a minimum, according to reports.

The ceremony, which is watched by millions of visitors every year, sees members of the King's Guard change places outside royal residences in the morning and evening on specified days.

But the 74-year-old monarch has now "remarked" about the noise generated by the guards outside Clarence House while giving orders and taking up their spot, it is claimed.

A leaked memo from the equerry of the monarch reportedly read: "His Majesty remarked the other day how loud the outgoing sentries were at St James's Palace in the morning.

"Full marks for vigour and volume, but please could you pass down to those on guard that Clarence House is a residence and so some volume control would be very much appreciated by those inside!"

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King Charles asks loud Changing of the Guard troops to 'keep noise down'A leaked memo sees the King give 'full marks for vigour' but ask for some volume control outside Clarence House (Getty Images)

The King is known to work from home at Clarence House in the morning before moving over to Buckingham Palace later in the day.

It is thought his notice came after he was distracted from state business - including inspection of ministerial briefing papers - by the commotion outside, The Sun reported.

His note was passed on by an army officer, who reportedly told the guard commanders: "Please could you pass onto your troops that when posting sentries first thing in the morning at St James's Palace that they should do so at a slightly lower volume."

King Charles asks loud Changing of the Guard troops to 'keep noise down'The King's private statement was said to be a 'gentle request' about the morning ceremony only (Getty Images)

The King's private statement was said to be a "gentle request" about the morning ceremony only, rather than an attempt to discipline the guards.

King Charles may finally move into Buckingham Palace when its refurbishment is completed in about four years, it was claimed last week.

The monarch will reportedly make the official residence a home once to £369million refit is finished.

Buckingham Palace has 775 rooms, including 19 staterooms, 52 royal and guest bedrooms, 188 staff bedrooms, 92 offices and 78 bathrooms.

A number of royal insiders however think the King and Queen Consort Camilla would like to stay at Clarence House, reports the Daily Express, where the couple have lived since 2003.

A source previously said that the monarch is "no fan" of Buckingham Palace, which he describes as "the big house".

Benedict Tetzlaff-Deas

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