A tourist visiting London was bitten by one of King Charles III's Guard horses while attempting to take a photo.
A tourist visiting the area near Buckingham Palace was bitten by one of the King's Guard horses on Sunday. Video footage captures the incident, showing the woman being bitten on the arm as she approached the horse for a photo. The horse had previously displayed signs of agitation by swinging its head towards people who came too close. Despite warnings posted in the area, the woman was not aware of the potential danger.
The horse, which is part of the King's Life Guard, is one of several divisions of trained soldiers who perform ceremonial duties at Buckingham Palace and surrounding areas. The most recognizable members are the uniformed guards posted outside the palace with bright red jackets and bearskin hats, who participate in the Changing of the Guard ceremony.
Tourist Bitten by King Charles III's Guard Horse
During the incident, the horse swung its head towards the woman and bit her just above her elbow. She screamed and ran back to her tour group, where her fellow travelers examined her. A few moments later, she was seen kneeling on the ground, with someone behind the camera saying, "She's still over there... she's keeling over, look."
Witnesses expressed concern over the woman's condition, with one asking if she had a "really bad injury" and another responding that she was getting treatment. The unseen camera person added, "I thought she was going to pass out."
Tourist Bitten by King Charles III's Guard Horse
The video also shows the horse nearly biting another person who had approached it. The horse swung its head forward and appeared to lightly bite at her wrist. It also displayed signs of agitation towards other tourists who walked up too quickly or attempted to pet it.
Shortly after the incident, police officers arrived to check on the woman. Representatives for Buckingham Palace and The Household Division, who oversee The King's Guard, have not yet commented on the matter.
Tourist Bitten by King Charles III's Guard Horse
The incident highlights the importance of respecting the boundaries of animals, especially those that are part of official ceremonies. Visitors are reminded to follow the posted warnings and maintain a safe distance from the horses and soldiers.
In a separate incident last year, at least three soldiers fainted in the extreme London heat during rehearsals for Trooping the Colour parade. Prince William, who is the honorary Colonel of the Welsh Guards, one of the divisions of the King's Guard, thanked the soldiers for their efforts in difficult conditions.
Tourist Bitten by King Charles III's Guard Horse
