Today, five soldiers passed out while standing guard outside St Paul’s Cathedral for the Queen’s Jubilee thanksgiving service.
The two occurrences occurred soon before Prince Charles, the Queen’s official representative today, arrived at the cathedral for a special service to kick-off Her Majesty’s Platinum Jubilee festivities.
As three soldiers were pulled back to their feet by aids, those on duty maintained their professionalism and composure. Since then, the Ministry of Defence has verified that five people fainted, but that none of them required hospital treatment.
Standing for hours in the heat in full military gear took its toll on each of the guards – all from various regiments – who were examined and checked over today, with temperatures in London hovering around 20 degrees.
As Foreign Secretary Lizz Truss walked up the front cathedral steps to the service, the first soldier – a member of the RAF Regiment – fell, but was promptly escorted away by two servicemen to receive medical assistance.
‘A soldier has just keeled over, received medical attention, and is now up on his feet with a cheer,’ a royal fan tweeted shortly after his collapse.
Moments later, a second soldier – a member of the royal Canadian artillery – keeled over before continuing to stand guard on the steps of the cathedral, while a member of the Queen’s guard had to be propped up against a wall before being taken to see a paramedic. 
At least five guards were reported to have passed out at today’s Thanksgiving ceremony, although only three were photographed.
‘We can confirm that five military soldiers fainted while on duty at today’s Platinum Jubilee Service of Thanksgiving,’ a Ministry of Defence (MoD) official said.
‘Our Armed Forces’ safety is our first priority. ‘All five people were treated on the spot, and none of them were taken to the hospital.’
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, have led the arrivals at St Paul’s Cathedral, where they joined hundreds of lawmakers and dignitaries in showing their support for the Queen and the Royal Family.
After experiencing’some difficulty’ after attending the Buckingham Palace festivities yesterday, Her Majesty, 96, withdrew from today’s ceremony because to her persistent mobility concerns.
Meanwhile, the Duke of York failed a Covid-19 test and will not attend the Queen’s service today.
Andrew, 62, is said to have seen his mother, the Queen, in recent days, but she tested negative – and he hasn’t seen her since testing positive.
The Queen’s absence, while disappointing to those hoping to catch a sight of her, was warmly accepted by those attending the ceremony both within the Cathedral and outdoors in the glorious sunshine.
‘I came here with a group of friends because we think this may be the last time we would be able to see her Majesty in person,’ Julie Feehan, a BT employee in Cardiff, said.
‘I’m sure she’s as disappointed as we are that she won’t be able to attend, but no one will hold it against her.’ She’s done an outstanding job.’
‘She is 96 years old,’ said her friend Alison Davies. And we all know how difficult that can be. But her smiles yesterday demonstrated how much she values us and how much we value her.’
‘She has held the monarchy together,’ said Joseph Afrane, 58, a security guard from Battersea, London, who was dressed in a Union Jack coat and bowler hat.
Mr Aftane, who was also dressed in a waistcoat with the Queen’s face on it, said: ‘Of course, it’s disappointing that she can’t be here.’
However, I recognize that it might be a challenging wage. Everyone present will send her the most heartfelt tears they can muster in the hopes that she will soon be able to enjoy the rest of this Jubilee weekend.’
‘There will be natural disappointment that Her Majesty cannot be here,’ said Prebendary Alan Green, who officiated at the thanksgiving ceremony.
‘I’m a Republican,’ says the speaker. But I believe we must honor the Queen for the outstanding service she has rendered to this country. I believe the monarchy and the Queen can be distinguished.
‘She is an incredible individual who has given so much during the course of her life.’
Iain Macaulay, Lord-Lieutenant of the Western Isles and who was appointed by the Queen in March, said outside the Cathedral: ‘ her Majesty has given Amanda service to this country.
‘It’s a pity she won’t be able to attend the memorial service. But she will be watching, and she will notice how much gratitude exists in this country for the services she has provided.
‘I understand why she is unable to attend. She is 96 years old, and things are certainly more difficult at that age.
‘However, we cannot express our gratitude enough for the 70 years Mom has given us.’
‘I have done some amateur dramatics, and despite Her Majesty not being able to see for herself the adulation that there is for her, the play must go on,’ said John Aylard, 77, of Kentish Town, London.
We have been extremely fortunate to have served this country for 70 years. ‘May it continue for a long time.’
Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his wife Carrie, former Prime Minister Sir Tony Blair and his wife Cherie, Sir John Major, and other ex-prime leaders Gordon Brown, Theresa May, and David Cameron, as well as their wives, arrived ahead of the royals. Sajid Javid and Liz Truss, both cabinet ministers, were also present.
Scottish First Minister Nicola Sturgeon came shortly after, accompanied by her husband and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer. On either side of the Great West Door, members of the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force lined up.
Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and their husbands, as well as Lady Sarah Chatto, Princess Margaret’s daughter, and her family, sat in the second row of the congregation with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex.
The Earl and Countess of Wessex, who are in the first row with their children, Lady Louise Mountbatten-Windsor and Viscount Severn, and the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, were sitting behind Harry and Meghan.
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, as well as the Princess Royal and her husband, Vice Admiral Tim Laurence, sat alongside the Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall, who sat in elaborate chairs across the aisle.