King’s Guard melts hearts by making a rare break in protocol so boy with Down’s syndrome can have a photo taken with him

• Footage of a man and his child respectfully waiting for a photo went viral
• Read More:  Moment soldier outside Buckingham Palace screams at tourist

A member of the King’s Guard has won praise after going out of his way to make a young man with Down’s syndrome feel comfortable.

The video of Mike van Erp, 50, better known by his YouTube name CyclingMikey, and the youngster posing for a photo at Buckingham Palace has caused a stire after being shared on YouTube, thanks to the touching way the situation was handled by everyone.

Known worldwide for being silent and still, it’s the job of King’s Guards job to stand on duty outside official royal residences and even when tourists try to distract them, they are expected to remain unmoved.

However, footage shows how a kind-hearted member of the Guard moved closer to MIke and the boy who were trying to get a photo to remember their trip to Horse Guards Parade. 

Taking to Twitter, Mike explained: ‘I’ve worked for his family and him for a decade now. We were out on a cycle ride on my tandem bicycle and stopped by the Horse Guards Parade.’ 

The King’s Guard surprised the tourists with a sweet gesture moving nearer to them so they could get their photo

The man made sure his charge knew that he couldn’t touch or go too close to the soldier and be respectful of his space

Over the last few years, the King’s Guard has got a bad reputation on social media because of some videos showing how they shout at members of the public if they get too close to them or the horses. 

Understandably then when a dad and his son wanted to stand near enough to the Guard to have a photo taken they were extremely careful about encroaching on his personal space.

In the short clip, shared by The Royal King’s Guards England channel on YouTube, a guard was seen standing in the middle at the entrance of an outdoor corridor.

As people walked by many stopped to take a snap of the sentinel but one man and his child decide to walk carefully up to have a photo taken next to him.

Gently trying to keep his son from touching him or getting too close, he could be heard reminding him not to get too close.

Standing a good foot or so away, the pair posed for the photo but were surprised when the guard stepped closer to them so they could get the perfect picture.

Visibly taken aback, the little boy jumped a little when the King’s Guard moves next to them both.

After making sure to thank the soldier, as they walk away the dad was heard saying: ‘What a nice man, what a cool thing to do.’

The sweet and respectful moment delighted viewers who rushed to share their thoughts and comments on the scene.

One person wrote: ‘Lovely gesture of kindness. All the guards do an exceptional job with so many tourists.’

Another social media user added: ‘Total respect to this Guard especially as this young lad was nervous and total respect to the lads guardian for saying thank you wish more tourists were like him’

‘This Guard never fails to melt my heart. That act of kindness brought a lump to my throat. What a sweetheart he is. Your kindness will come back to you young man. God Bless you,’ penned someone else.

And a fourth person wrote: ‘Much respect for this King’s Guard! He was aware of the situation, and acted with honor.’ 

The lad was delighted to be so close to the uniformed soldier and stuck his thumbs up as he posed for the photo 

Viewers who watched the clip were delighted to see such a sweet and respectful exchange take place and rushed to compliment all involved

While this young lad and his dad treated the King’s Guard with respect, not every tourist is the same.

Earlier this year footage showed the shocking moment a woman lashed out at a King’s Guard for ‘pushing’ her out of the way as he carried out his duties.

The incident, which went viral on TikTok, shows the blonde woman standing in the guard’s way at the Horse Guards Parade.

The woman, who was holding a blue can of Pringles, was seen standing very close to one of the mounted guards, while other bystanders gave the guards more room by standing further away.

Despite the King’s Guard on foot asking the woman to step back when he first passed her to salute his fellow guards, she stepped even closer to the agitated horse of the mounted guard.

When the guard that had previously warned her walked back towards the gates, the woman moved right into his path.

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