The moment a police officer stepped in after noticing a group of tourists heckling a Palace guard has been caught on camera.
The footage, posted on TikTok, appears to show a group of American tourists shouting a series of names at the guard in what seems like an attempt to guess his name.
But after getting no reaction, the group continue their heckling, filming the guard as he refuses to step away from his post.
After noticing the commotion, two police officers make their way over to the group, with one speaking to the guard. As the guard responds to the officer, the group of around six people start cheering as he finally breaks his stance.
However, the officer, clearly not bemused by their heckling, shuts down the group.
He tells the tourists: “These soldiers serve their country. They take their job seriously. They are responsible for protecting this facility, they are not an object of ridicule.
“Appreciate you are having fun, he’s not having fun, he’s got a long day, it’s a lot of hours he’s got to do. It is tiring, it is exhausting, and you are taking the p*** out of him. We do not appreciate that and I will ask you to leave the facility.”
The group then turn and leave, as shocked onlookers watch the interaction unfold.
Viewers were quick to praise the police officer, with one writing: “Officer handled this like a champ.”
Another wrote: “Well done to that police officer.”
Explaining the interaction, one person said it’s become “a thing” for tourists to try and make Palace guards “react or laugh”.
A third person wrote: “Tourists should have more respect for countries they are visiting.” A fourth wrote: “Couldn’t imagine acting like this. Even when I’m in other countries and see military guards, you just keep quiet and respect them.”
Contrary to popular belief, members of the Royal Guard are able to speak in very specific circumstances, particularly if people get too close or become aggressive.
They are also unable to pose or smile for pictures, with their role meaning they are unable to leave their post until they are relieved from duty.
