In the scorching sun with fur hats... British Guards collapse during rehearsal for the King's birthday

Fur Hats Made of Military Uniforms and Bear Fur
Practicing for the 'Gun Gibunyeolsik' Parade

Guards rehearsing for King Charles III's birthday event under the scorching sun ultimately fainted from the heat. They had to endure the heat while wearing black fur hats made of bear fur.

According to AP News and others on the 10th (local time), the final rehearsal for the Trooping the Colour ceremony, involving more than 1,400 guards, took place in London that day.

The Trooping the Colour ceremony, officially scheduled for the 17th, is a traditional event held to celebrate the British monarch's birthday. Typically, 1,400 soldiers, 200 horses, and 400 military band members participate.

A royal guard who fainted from the heat during a rehearsal for King Charles III's birthday event on the 10th (local time) in the UK.
[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

Although King Charles III's actual birthday is November 14, the official birthday celebration is traditionally held in June. This year's event is reported to be larger in scale as it is the first since Charles III's accession.

The rehearsal took place amid the heatwave. The guards suffered from the heat while wearing their uniforms and bear fur hats, resulting in at least three guards losing consciousness and collapsing. One guard fell to the ground holding a trombone, and some were carried out on stretchers.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

Prince William, who inspected the site at the time, posted on Twitter after the rehearsal, saying, "A big thank you to all the guards who participated under the heat this morning," and added, "Despite the tough conditions, you all did a great job."

However, reactions from overseas netizens were negative. Comments included "an outdated culture," "isn't life the most important thing?" and "wearing fur hats in a heatwave looks tough."

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

This is not the first time that ceremonial personnel have collapsed during a royal event in the UK. Last month, during King Charles III's coronation, a soldier assigned to ceremonial duties also fainted.

According to foreign media at the time, a soldier standing in formation suddenly collapsed to the ground. He was then dragged out of the scene by two men presumed to be police officers.

The exact reason for his collapse was not revealed. However, it appears he fainted due to the rehearsal schedule that lasted until 3 a.m. and having to stand still for a long time in uncomfortable attire.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.