The traditional Changing of the Guard ceremonies at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle have been stopped for the rest of the week due to very high temperatures.

The ceremonies, which happen most days outside the royal homes, involve soldiers in heavy hats and red uniforms marching to and from buildings with music and horses.

However, with temperatures in London and Windsor set to reach up to 39 °C, the Changing of the Guard ceremonies have been cancelled for Wednesday and Thursday, and also did not happen today.

The Changing of the Guard happens at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.

The Army in London, which organizes the ceremonies, said they had to be cancelled to protect soldiers, horses, and spectators.

It explained: "Due to very high temperatures, there will be some changes to Ceremonial Operations across London and Windsor."

The well-being of soldiers, horses, and the public is always the priority, so the ceremonies have been cancelled in line with advice from the Met Office to reduce travel and outdoor activities.

The heatwave has also meant changes to the usual guarding of royal buildings and other locations.

Soldiers wear heavy red uniforms and hats.

On Wednesday, the King's Life Guard at Horse Guards will change without ceremony at 0800 to avoid heat stress to the horses.

While soldiers are on Guard, they have been moved to shaded positions and are changed more frequently to stay safe in the heat.

We know this is a busy time to visit, and we're sorry if this is disappointing, but please follow the Met Office advice to stay safe in the heat.

The Household Troops have protected the royal family since 1660 and have been patrolling outside Buckingham Palace since 1837.

A red weather warning due to hot weather has been issued for London and other parts of the south-east.

During the Changing of the Guard ceremony, the Old Guard lines up in front of the Palace and is replaced by the New Guard, which arrives with a band or drums.

A 'heat-dome' is settling over western Europe, which could bring temperatures of nearly 40C by Wednesday.

A red weather warning for extreme heat was issued by the Met Office from 9am on Wednesday to 9pm on Thursday, with temperatures possibly reaching the UK's all-time high.

Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said the temperature could reach 39C on Thursday, most likely in London or the South East.

It is possible temperatures could be higher than 39 °C if the final values are at the upper end of the forecast.

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