LONDON (TIP): A royal guardsman at the Buckingham Palace is under investigation after he broke into an impromptu jig during one of London’s most attended events — the change of guard. A video uploaded on YouTube last month shows a Grenadier guard spinning around as he walks outside Buckingham Palace.

At times, the guard dressed in the usual red uniform with a black hat slows down, shakes his body, struts around and breaks into a jig while the other Granadiers march on during the change of guards at the British monarch’s official residence in London. While some in the audience gathered to watch the change of guard appreciates the break away from tradition with a clap or a cheer, others didn’t take it favorably.

One individual wrote online in reaction to the incident “This is a Grenadier Guardsman making a mockery of the uniform, the regiment and comrades,” while another responded, “I think it is great. Entertaining for the crowd too. He is not rude or disrespectful, you cannot question his soldiering skills over the matter that he has a sense of humour”.

The ministry of defence meanwhile has said they are now investigating the matter. “Anyone who is found to fall short of the army’s high standards can expect to face appropriate action”. The video was uploaded on August 20 when the Queen was at her residence in Balmoral in Scotland. The men you see on guard at Buckingham Palace are not just ceremonial guards but professional infantry soldiers.

While upholding the traditions of the past, the guards also perform duties around the world as professional soldiers, who in their infantry role have a reputation as some of the most elite and skilled soldiers in the British Army. The Household Division comprise two regiments of the Household Cavalry, The Life Guards and The Blues and Royals plus five Regiments of Foot Guards.

The responsibility of guarding the Sovereign by the Household Troops dates back to the time of Henry VII (1485 – 1509). The guards do not just perform ceremonial duties at Buckingham Palace they also take an active role in protecting their Sovereign. At night they patrol the grounds of both Buckingham Palace and St. James’s Palace. The Guards have the same scarlet uniform, distinctive bearskin hat and gold buttons.