"Tears in my eyes": King's Guard breaks protocol for photo with young royal fan
A member of the King's Guard has been prised online for going out of his way to take a photo with a young man with Down's syndrome, breaking strict protocol.
A video of the touching moment, shared by Mike the young man's carer on YouTube, caused a stir thanks to the respectful way the guard acted.
Known worldwide for being silent and still even when trying to be distracted by tourists, it is the job of the King's Guard to stand statuesque on duty outside office royal residences.
However, footage shows how a kind-hearted member of the Guard moved closer to Mike and the boy who were trying to get a photo to remember their trip to Horse Guards Parade by.
Taking to Twitter to post about their day out, Mike who is a professional carer for the youngster, explained, "I've worked for his family and him for a decade now. We were out on a cycle ride on my tandem bicycle and stopped by the Horse Guards Parade."
He admitted that "both I and the young lad" got a bit of a fright "when he stepped closer to us" because it was so unexpected, adding, "This left me with tears in my eyes for a few evenings."
After Twitter users initially thought that Mike was the boy's father, he clarified, "I’m also not his dad, although I’d be proud to be."
"I'm very grateful to the soldier," he continued. "I'm lucky I had good parents and went to a Jesuit school that cared about me and taught me well, same for the young lad I'm with. Tears in my eyes."
The sweet and respectful moment delighted viewers who rushed to share their thoughts and comments on the scene.
One person wrote, "Lovely gesture of kindness. All the guards do an exceptional job with so many tourists."
Another social media user added, "Total respect to this Guard especially as this young lad was nervous and total respect to the lads guardian for saying thank you wish more tourists were like him."
Someone else wrote, "This Guard never fails to melt my heart. That act of kindness brought a lump to my throat. What a sweetheart he is. Your kindness will come back to you young man."
Image credits: YouTube