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Five service members faint during anniversary service

Five service members fainted while on duty with the National Thanksgiving Service during the Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Staff from the Royal Air Force, Royal Marines, Household Cavalry and Coldstream Guards collapsed while stationed at St Paul’s Cathedral on Friday morning.

Two members of the Military Honor Guard – one from the Royal Air Force Regiment and another from the Royal Marines – appeared to lose consciousness within half an hour as they lined up the steps to the Great West Door and waited for the Royal Family to arrive.

The Royal Air Force member stationed to the far left of the door passed out and fell flat on his back onto the steps before regaining consciousness.

The other man, standing closer to the Great West Door, appeared to lose consciousness for a moment about 20 minutes later, stumbling on the top steps before regaining his balance and being carried under the cathedral’s pillars.

They could be escorted off the stairs on foot, although stretchers were brought out.

A Department of Defense spokesman said: “During today’s Platinum Jubilee Thanksgiving service, we can confirm that five service members have passed out while on duty.

“The security of our armed forces is our top priority. All five people were treated at the scene and none were hospitalized.”

It was a very warm and sunny day in London with temperatures in the mid 20s by the start of the 11am service.