The Queen’s Guard—or now, the King’s Guard—are renowned for their unyielding stoicism. Clad in their iconic red tunics and bearskin hats, these soldiers stand motionless at Buckingham Palace and other royal residences, a symbol of discipline and British tradition. However, on rare occasions, even these famously statuesque sentinels have been caught breaking character—and when they do, it makes for an unforgettable moment.

Here are some of the most memorable times the Royal Guard let their composure slip, giving the public a rare glimpse into the human side of these seemingly unshakable figures.

1. The Accidental Dance-Off

In 2021, a video went viral showing a Royal Guard losing his balance and performing what can only be described as an impromptu shuffle. Slipping slightly on a wet patch, the guard performed a quick two-step recovery move that looked like a dance—much to the amusement of onlookers. Though he immediately regained his posture, the crowd’s laughter and cheers captured the brief moment of levity.

2. When Duty Meets Dad Jokes

One guard near Windsor Castle was caught sharing a brief moment with a child in the crowd. When the boy repeatedly tried to make the guard laugh by pulling faces and telling jokes, the guard eventually cracked a tiny smirk. Though subtle, the hint of a grin was enough to charm viewers around the world when the moment was shared online.

3. Shouting Down the Tourists

While typically silent, the guards are not completely mute. In fact, they’re allowed—and sometimes required—to break silence if the public crosses boundaries. One now-famous clip shows a tourist trying to place a hand on a guard’s shoulder for a photo. Without missing a beat, the guard stomped forward and shouted: “Stand back from the Queen’s Guard!” The sudden break in silence stunned the crowd, earning a mix of gasps and nervous laughter.

4. A Hat in the Wind

In a rare moment captured during high winds in London, a guard’s iconic bearskin hat was blown clean off his head. Rather than chase it down or react, the guard stood completely still—even as a fellow soldier retrieved the headwear and returned it. The moment demonstrated both dedication and the humor of circumstance, and the clip became an internet favorite.

5. A Musical Surprise

During a special celebration at Buckingham Palace, the Royal Guard’s band unexpectedly launched into a rendition of the “Game of Thrones” theme. While technically not breaking formation, the performance stunned fans and tourists alike. A few guards at their posts could be seen tapping their boots lightly in rhythm—an almost imperceptible but endearing sign of enjoyment.

6. The Proposal Clap

In 2018, a man proposed to his girlfriend in front of the palace. As the crowd erupted in cheers, one guard was caught subtly clapping the butt of his rifle against his leg. The move was barely noticeable, but viewers who caught it praised the guard’s stealthy support of love in royal territory.

7. Laughing at Llamas

During a charity parade that included costumed animals, a llama dressed as a royal guard trotted past Buckingham Palace. One of the real guards couldn’t help himself and was caught letting out a visible chuckle. Even the best-trained soldiers have a breaking point—apparently, it’s llamas in uniform.

The Humanity Behind the Hat

Though their discipline is admirable, it’s the rare, fleeting moments when the Royal Guard shows their human side that truly capture the public’s imagination. These glimpses remind us that behind the stoic exterior are real people with humor, empathy, and personality—doing an extraordinary job under extraordinary expectations.

So next time you’re visiting London and spot a Royal Guard, remember: even the stillest statues can sometimes smile.