French soldiers have been tasked with guarding Buckingham Palace for the first time to mark a historic moment in cross-Channel relations.
Soldiers from France will protect the Royal Family’s main residence to celebrate 120-years of friendly relations.
London and Paris signed the Entente Cordiale in 1904, later enabling the nations to fight on the same side in the First World War.
The decision drastically improved relations between the two nations after years of conflict.
French troops will guard Buckingham Palace at Monday’s Changing of the Guard ceremony on Monday to mark the anniversary.
The forecourt of Buckingham Palace will see 32 French soliders from the Republican Guard of the National Gendarmerie join 40 Guardsmen from F Company Scots Guards to parade the grounds together.
A similar guard change will greet French President Emmanuel Macron on the same day.
Sixteen soldiers from Number 7 Company Coldstream Guards will join troops from 1er Regiment de la Garde Republicaine to provide the Presidential Guard outside the Elysee Palace.
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British and French troops were spotted rehearsing at the Wellington Barracks on Friday.
The Wellington Barracks were named after the Duke of Wellington.
Arthur Wellesley led the British military into battle against Napoleon in 1815.
Squadron Chief Guillaume Dewilde, who is leading the French detachment during the Changing of the Guard, said: “I am extremely proud to have been asked to share this moment with our British friends.
“We are like siblings, and to celebrate this moment together is a symbol of the strength of the relationship between our two countries.”
Garrison Sergeant Major Andrew Stokes, who has been responsible for delivering all ceremonial training, added: “It is crucial for everyone in Nato to have a strong relationship.
“And this is an opportunity to both celebrate the 120th anniversary of the signing of the Entente Cordiale and also demonstrate our close relations with the French.
“Our first rehearsal went really well so we're not nervous at all. It will be a wonderful celebration and an opportunity for the public to witness such a spectacle.”
