As the heatwave also hits the United Kingdom, King Charles III has taken the decision to adapt some centuries-old traditions, including one celebrated since the 17th century. A choice made to preserve the well-being of some soldiers, who are not equipped to withstand the high heat.
The heatwave currently hitting France is not limited to the borders of France: our English neighbours are also affected by the high temperatures that are impacting Europe. Faced with the crazy rise in temperatures, King Charles III, who will meet Harry and Meghan in July, has decided to make an exceptional decision and break royal protocol. The British monarchy has been forced to adapt its traditions to the high temperatures... and it is the tourists of Buckingham Palace who will pay the price.
A tradition dating back to the seventeenth century turned upside down
Indeed, the traditional changing of the guard ceremonies, which date back to the 17th century and are organized daily in front of the main royal residences, have been cancelled for several days, reports Hello Magazine. A logical decision, given the unsuitable outfit of the soldiers of the Royal Guard, who parade in their bearskin caps and red tunics: an outfit that is not necessarily comfortable under the 40 degrees that some British regions are currently experiencing. Heat that is dangerously close to the record recorded in 2022, of 40.3 degrees.
In a statement, the Household Division, which oversees the organization of these ceremonies, said that the well-being of the military, service horses and the public was its top priority. It must be said that these reliefs lasted several minutes and were particularly trying for the soldiers and their horses, who were also exposed to the high heat. The public must also be preserved, since these events can gather hundreds of people in front of the royal palace.
Record temperatures expected in the United Kingdom
The ceremonies of Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday have therefore been cancelled and this "special heatwave" protocol could be maintained until the end of the week, due to the heat wave that continues to lengthen. On Wednesday 24 June, the Met Office, the national meteorological body, took drastic measures by triggering a red heatwave alert for several regions of the United Kingdom: a measure that had only been used once before.
Conditions are not expected to improve in London until Saturday, when temperatures are not expected to rise above 31 degrees. Despite these extreme conditions, King Charles III, who refuses to hear from his brother Andrew, has not failed to meet his commitments and has maintained the appointments on his agenda, including the reception of the Afghan women's cricket team, made up of refugees, and his visit to London Climate Week.
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire