Behaviour of the Queens Guards (UK)?
After watching the Queens Guards (Coldstream?) outside Buckingham Palace for a while I had a few questions:
1. Why are their hats so tall? Was it so the enemy shot empty hat rather than soldier?
2. He had a sheath on his back belt, would this be a bayonet sheath?
3. He 'randomly' twirled his gun as he changed shoulders, is that just ceremonial or does it have a purpose?
4. He also went for 'random' walks which involved a lot of stomping, again is it pure ceremony? Neither of these were during the changing of the guard, just the standing still bit
5. Are their rifles actually loaded or are the real defenders out of sight with MP5's? 
Thanks all!
I don't know the answers to all your questions but...
1: It's to make them more intimidating - by making them seem taller than they are
2: Yes - they carry bayonets at all times - it's part of the uniform
3: Probably ceremonial - to prevent the muscles from seizing
4: Part of their 'route' - after all - they are guards, and have a set route to take within the grounds
5: YES - their rifles are loaded at all times - They're there to defend Her Majesty the Queen
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