Queen's Guard pictured receiving cool drink in hot weather

Temperatures in London could hit 40C this week.

Guardsmen are expected to wear 18-inch bearskin hats which weigh 1.5lbs, as well as scarlet tunics and dark blue trousers.

The hats are made from the real bearskin of Canadian brown bears and were first worn by British soldiers in 1815 to appear more intimidating on the battlefield.

Two guardsmen fainted in 2019 during a rehearsal for Trooping The Colour when temperatures were 27C.

An Army spokesperson told GB News: "The safety and wellbeing of our soldiers and horses is a priority at all times whether undertaking guarding duties, training, on exercise or deployment.

"While many of our Guardsmen have operated overseas in temperatures up to 50c, we will put in place additional measures this week such as regular checks, flexible duties, additional water – to ensure they can continue to safely carry out their duties.

"The Guard Mount at Buckingham Palace took place today but with a shortened ceremony due to the heat."