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It's not the bladder the gets you, but the itchy nose 
Trooping the Colour - the question you shouldn't ask
- Thread starter TimTom
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It's not the bladder the gets you, but the itchy nose
Isn't there an old theory that you can get a passing copper to scratch it for you? Or is that an old wives tale?
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You'd ignore it, you've got the self discipline by this point and you know you'll be seen and no doubt filmed and put on youtube.
Good for tourists?
Soldato
no point
yup just pageantry nonsense, like the rest of the royalty..
Well I'm no royalist but I do think that events such as Trooping the Colour show some serious disciplined showmanship which doesn't do the country any harm.
I posted the original topic simply because I do wonder whether the existing arrangements have been in place so long now that although they look good they may not be suited to the modern society.
I'd like to see it continue but maybe shorter in duration and with the guardsmen dressed in somewhat more comfortable, lighter dress without headwear weighing about half a stone!
The comments here from those in the know suggest that those involved endure some difficult and even unpleasant conditions whilst doing their duty. I used to be involved with policing and just look at how much more suited their attire is nowadays compared to 25 years ago.
So maybe it's time for an upgrade - but that doesn't need to mean the end of it.
I posted the original topic simply because I do wonder whether the existing arrangements have been in place so long now that although they look good they may not be suited to the modern society.
I'd like to see it continue but maybe shorter in duration and with the guardsmen dressed in somewhat more comfortable, lighter dress without headwear weighing about half a stone!
The comments here from those in the know suggest that those involved endure some difficult and even unpleasant conditions whilst doing their duty. I used to be involved with policing and just look at how much more suited their attire is nowadays compared to 25 years ago.
So maybe it's time for an upgrade - but that doesn't need to mean the end of it.
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Soldato
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- 18 Oct 2012
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the short answer is they just hold it in, the smart ones probably hold off the liquids beforehand to help but otherwise it's strength of will.
kind of the point really, it's the ultimate show of discipline to have people prepared to do that for you.
kind of the point really, it's the ultimate show of discipline to have people prepared to do that for you.
Sounds like an utter nightmare to me and not because of the toilet bit which would be easy.
Soldato
I regularly go 4-6 hours between toilet breaks at work. I'm sure I'll have associated problems when I'm older, but it's not an issue at all now.
What I'm more worried about is pilot friends of mine that have said they always run a little dehydrated to avoid the faff of coming out and going to the loo. Personally I feel terrible.. grouchy, can't concentrate etc if I'm not hydrated (99% of the time I'll have a drink in front of me, I generally don't go out without a water bottle). Doesn't sound ideal for people that need to be alert and on top of their game to be dehydrated!
How on top of their game are they going to be with a toilet demand at the wrong time. That would mess with mental and physical.
The only way you can be happy hydrating all day at work is if you have freedom to take a toilet break whenever. Like a non-public facing role in a building with a toilet.
I suppose the majority of those involved are of an age where they can simply decide to 'hold it in' as you say. That's a decision that sometimes gets taken out of your own hands as you get older, though. Hopefully they're always successful.
The purpose is to inflate the egos of those at the top. To reassure them that they still have importance, status, and the power to make others do pretty much anything they desire, including standing still for two hours (or until you pass out).
Beyond that it's every bit as pointless as common sense tells you it is. It's a complete waste of human life. "You there, stand absolutely still for two hours. Because I'm lord Chattington-Smythe of House Dipspit."
Soldato
FIL is Ex Grenadier Guard Lance Sergeant. He says "hold it in".
Not hard though is it, only a couple hours.
Not hard though is it, only a couple hours.
It's not really limited to royalty the US does simmilar with the tomb of the unknown soldier
Soldato
No it isn't
...and anyhow, they do have power, more so than you anyway. Perhaps that is what bothers you.I can't say it bothers me. If there are people who want to stand rigidly still for hours on end, to please her majesty; and if her majesty desires that people stand rigidly still for hours on end... it's free world, let them.No it isn't
I really can't understand the desire to publicly demonstrate subservience in such a way, to a family born into extreme privilege. I'd do it if pressed into it by some means, but I wouldn't be interested otherwise; nor would I consider it to be some kind of honour or privilege.
Also like I said, it would appear to be a horrid waste of human life, which is short enough at the end of the day. Spending any length of time stood rigidly still, for the sole purpose of keeping up appearances... how ridiculous.
But then I seem to be more or less in the minority, however, of people who don't idolise the monarchy, or place some value on these pointless traditions.