Second soldier faints standing guard outside St Paul's Cathedral
Dropping like flies! SECOND soldier faints while standing guard outside St Paul’s Cathedral for Queen’s thanksgiving Jubilee service
- Two soldiers have fainted whilst standing guard outside St Paul’s Cathedral
- With temperatures of 20C in London today, the heat appeared to take its toll
- One soldier – from the RAF regiment – was led away by two fellow soldiers
- Incident happened shortly before senior royals arrived for birthday service
- Latest Platinum Jubilee news as the Queen celebrates 70 years of service
Two soldiers have fainted while standing guard outside St Paul’s Cathedral today for the Queen’s thanksgiving Jubilee service.
The incidents happened shortly before Prince Charles, who is officially representing the Queen today, arrived at the cathedral for the special ceremony to kick-off Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.
Those on duty maintained their professionalism and composure, whilst the two soldiers were helped back to their feet.
With temperatures of around 20C in London today, standing for hours in the heat and full military uniform, took its toll on both guards – both from different regiments – who were inspected and checked over.
The first soldier – a member of the RAF Regiment – was led away from St Paul’s to recover by two fellow servicemen, whilst the second – a member of the royal Canadian artillery – continued to stand guard on the steps of the Cathedral.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and Meghan have led the arrivals at St Paul’s Cathedral – as they joined hundreds of politicians and dignitaries in supporting the Queen and the extended Royal family.
Her Majesty, 96, pulled out of today’s ceremony due to her ongoing mobility issues after she experienced ‘some discomfort’ after attending the Buckingham Palace festivities yesterday.
Two soldiers have fainted while standing guard outside St Paul’s Cathedral today for the Queen’s thanksgiving Jubilee service
The first soldier – from the RAF regiment – was led away from St Paul’s to recover by two fellow soldiers
With temperatures of around 20C in London today, standing for hours in the heat and full military uniform, took its toll on both guards – both from different regiments
The second soldier (pictured) was helped to his feet by a member of staff before continuing to stand guard
Pictured: The second soldier – a member of the royal Canadian artillery – continued to stand guard on the steps of the Cathedral
Meanwhile, the Duke of York tested positive for Covid-19 and will not appear at the Queen’s service today.
Andrew, 62, is understood to have seen his mother the Queen in the last few days but she has tested negative – and he has not seen her since testing positive.
The Queen’s absence, although sad news to those who wanted a glimpse of her, was widely accepted by those who were due to be inside the Cathedral for the service and those who joined outside in the bright sunshine.
Julie Feehan, who works for BT in Cardiff, said: ‘I came here with a group of friends because we think this may probably be the last time for us to be able to see her Majesty in person.
‘I’m sure she feels as unhappy as we are that she can’t be here, but not one person will hold it against her. She’s done an incredible job.’
Her friend Alison Davies added: ‘She is 96 years old. And we all understand that can be difficult. But her smiles yesterday showed us all much she appreciates us and how much we appreciate her.’
Those on duty maintained their professionalism and composure, whilst the two soldiers – one a member of the RAF Regiment (Pictured) – were helped back to their feet
Her Majesty, 96, pulled out of today’s ceremony due to her ongoing mobility issues after she experienced ‘some discomfort’ after attending the Buckingham Palace festivities yesterday
Joseph Afrane, 58, a security guard from Battersea, London, and who was dressed in a Union Jack suit and bowler hat, said: ‘ She has held the monarchy together. ‘
Mr Aftane, also wore a waistcoat with the Queen’s face on it, added: ‘ of course it’s disappointing that she can’t be here.
But I understand it can be difficult wage. Everybody here will send her the biggest tears possible hopefully soon enjoy the rest of this Jubilee weekend.‘
Prebendary Alan Green who was officiating at the thanksgiving service, said: ‘ there will be natural disappointment that Her Majesty cannot be here.
‘I am a Republican. But I absolutely feel we have to celebrate the Queen for the wonderful service she has given this country. I believe you can separate the monarchy from the Queen.
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral in London this morning
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral in London this morning
Prince Charles and Camilla arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral in London this morning
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral in London this morning
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral in London this morning
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge arrive for the Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral in London this morning
Prince Charles – who is officially representing the Queen in he absence – arrived with his wife Camilla
‘She is an incredible individual who has given so much during the course of her life.’
Iain Macaulay, Lord-Lieutenant of the Western Isles and who was appointed by the Queen in March, said outside the Cathedral: ‘ her Majesty has given Amanda service to this country.
‘It is a shame that she won’t be able to attend the service. But she will be watching and she will see that there is so much appreciation in this country for the services that she has given our country.
‘I understand why she can’t be here. She is 96 years old and things clearly get difficult when you get to that stage.
‘But we cannot thank you enough for the 70 years that she has given us.‘
John Aylard, 77, of Kentish Town, London, added: ‘ I have done some amateur dramatics and despite Her Majesty not being able to be here and see for herself the adulation that there is for her, the show must go on.
‘We have been very lucky to have had 70 years of service to this country. Long may that continue.‘
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