Decorative Royal Guards have been withdrawn from their positions outside Britain's palaces in anticipation of Islamist terror attacks. The distinctly dressed soldiers will be moved from the more accessible sentry boxes in front of royal premises and will be stood behind locked gates and iron fences.
The order was issued by Buckingham Palace who had reason to believe that these ambassadors for Britain might be targeted by ISIL supporters in light of the internationally escalating events. As well as drummer Lee Rigby who was hacked to death in broad day-light by extremists, there was also the murder of a Canadian soldier who was on ceremonial duty at the country's war memorial.
Royal Guards have been warned not to stand alone when they take a shift, and though Buckingham Palace had already taken this precaution, orders now extend to St James' Palace and Windsor Castle also. The move has been seen as a “retreat” in the face of terrorism but as retired officer Major Iain Dalzel-Job of the Scots Guards told 'The Mail': “the changes are necessary as there is a significant threat.” Former Welsh guardsman Terry O'Shea also added: “Unfortunately this is a sign of the times and how unpredictable the current situation is. We've seen horrific incidents across the world and in our capital city, so some action had to be taken to reduce the risk, even if it can never be eliminated (…) You could argue that there should be a defiant stand but how do you protect the soldiers on parade in a bright suit, shiny boots and a furry hat?”
