I can't speak as a serviceman, but I was surprised to see the Guard break his sentry and confront the little brat. He will have to face the music on that one, but I'm glad he did it. I have to say that I did laugh reading part of the account. But, it also brought a feeling of sadness.

I'm concerned about a growing lack of respect for authority. A similar duty in the U.S. might be those who guard the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in the National Cemetery. (I don't mean to compare St James' Palace to a cemetery. It's just that both have to do with respect and authority.) I would find someone doing a similar thing at the Tomb of the Unknown to be extremely offensive.

A part of me also raced in thought back to my great-great grandfather (Thomas Jermin (Jermyn)) who served honorably in the Guards during the reign of Queen Victoria. What this brat did is an affront to all who serve their nation honorably, past, present and future.

Maybe the guard felt the royals were being threatened.