God save the parade.
Several British soldiers fainted on Saturday while rehearsing for King Charles’ upcoming birthday parade.
At least three guardsmen, garbed in woolen uniforms and towering bearskin hats, keeled over under the blazing sun at Horse Guards Parade in London during a practice run overseen by Prince William for the upcoming procession, known as Trooping the Colour.
Video shows a trombonist who was overcome by the heat attempting to right himself and play on before being led away. In the background, another guard is seen being carried off the grounds on a stretcher, as band members continue their routine.
The temperature was expected to reach at least 86 degrees Fahrenheit Saturday, about 15-to-20 degrees hotter than usual in London in June.
More than 1,400 soldiers of the Household Division and the King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery participated in Saturday’s rehearsal, known as the Colonel’s Review, where they are evaluated ahead of the official event by the heir to the throne, who is also honorary Colonel of the Welsh Guards.
Prince William acknowledged the harsh conditions surrounding the rehearsal afterward, tweeting his thanks to “every solider who took part in the Colonel’s Review this morning in the heat.”
“Difficult conditions but you all did a really good job. Thank you,” he wrote.
The parade, which has marked the British monarch’s birthday for over 260 years, will occur this year on June 17 and be overseen by King Charles III.
It is rumored that Prince Harry and Meghan Markle will not be attending this year’s Trooping of Colours, The Daily Mail reported. The couple attended the attend the parade last year during Queen Elizabeth’s platinum jubilee weekend.
With Post wires
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