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Several British guardsmen faint as Prince William reviews military parade

British royal guards collapse in spring heat
At least three British royal guards collapse during rehearsals 00:23

Several British soldiers were overcome by the heat on Saturday as they turned out in woolen tunics and bearskin hats to salute Prince William.

At least three guardsmen fainted during the military parade known as the Colonel's Review, in which more than 1,400 soldiers of the Household Division and the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery were reviewed by the heir to the throne, who is honorary Colonel of the Welsh Guards.

Britain Royals Colonel's Review
A trombone player of the military band is carried out on a stretcher after a faint during the Colonel's Review. Alberto Pezzali / AP

The temperature in London on Saturday was due to hit 86 degrees Farenheit.

Afterwards William tweeted: "A big thank you to every solider who took part in the Colonel's Review this morning in the heat. Difficult conditions but you all did a really good job." 

He later shared several photos of the parade, writing that the "hard work and preparation that goes into an event like this is a credit to all involved, especially in today's conditions." 

The event was a rehearsal for Trooping the Colour, an annual military parade held each June to mark the monarch's official birthday. King Charles III will oversee the ceremony on June 17.

Britain Royals Colonel's Review
A trombone player of the military band faints during the Colonel's Review, the final rehearsal of the Trooping the Colour. Alberto Pezzali / AP
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