Going on a bear hunt: The guards were having their picture taken on Horse Guards Parade in London ahead of Trooping the Colour to celebrate the Queen's official birthday on Saturday June 11
It's the distinctive bearskin hat that sets them apart - just not from each other.
Soldiers with the First battalion Scots Guard looked like they'd be hunting for some time for their individual one as hundreds were scattered across Horse Guards Parade following an official photo this morning.
The guards were having their picture taken ahead of Trooping the Colour to celebrate the Queen's official birthday next Saturday.
It makes sense for the hats to be removed in photos - so that you can see the face of the soldier standing directly behind.
It must have been something of a relief for the battalion to remove the bearskins as the temperature in central London soared to 27C.
However their colonel, the Duke of Kent - who was in the Scots Guard in his youth and has had a military career spanning 20 years - made sure he kept a firm hold of his.
The Scots Guard, always a favourite tourist attraction, were on parade in full ceremonial costume at the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton in April.
Leading by example: Two Scots Guards keep a hold of their hats while the rest of the troop keep looking
Finders keepers: The Scots Guards pick up their bearskins on Horses Guard Parade, with the London Eye in the background
Hats off, lads: The Royal Scots Guards line up for their official photograph ahead of the Queen's birthday celebrations
Enter the Duke: Head of the Scots Guards, the Duke of Kent, inspects the troopsource:dailymail
