Army soldier collapses on Mall in London heat

A foot guard faints on the Mall during rehearsals for the Japan state visit
The Foot Guard passed out as temperatures soared in the capital [Getty Images]

A member of the Army has passed out during a rehearsal on the Mall near Buckingham Palace, ahead of the official Japanese state visit to the UK on Tuesday.

Images show a Foot Guard lying motionless on the ground during rehearsals, before he is helped and led away.

It comes as temperatures in London reached almost 30C (86F) on Monday.

The Army said it does not comment on individual cases but the man received appropriate medical treatment.

A foot guard is checked by another member of the Army after he fainted on the Mall
The Foot Guard was lying motionless on the ground before he was helped [Getty Images]

The Army posted on X saying more than 1250 soldiers from the Household Division - including 250 Army musicians, 9 regiments and more than 240 military horses - were involved in activities.

The official three-day state visit, which is hosted by King Charles, begins on Tuesday.

A foot guard is lifted up by another member of the Army after he fainted on the Mall
The collapsed Foot Guard is helped by another member of the Army [Getty Images]

On Monday the Emperor of Japan was given a tour of Japan House London, a venue showcasing Japanese culture - on Kensington High Street in west London.

The state visit, by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, is being adapted because it coincides with the general election campaign.

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