On guard: How ceremonial duties are performed by forces around the globe

Ceremonial guard duty is carried out by armed forces in many countries, but the way it is performed and who performs it vary widely.

In the United States, members of the 3rd US Infantry Regiment have guarded the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery continuously since 1948, following a highly regimented routine.

In the UK, the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is shared by different regiments, units and services, meaning it is not unusual to see Gurkhas, RAF personnel or the Royal Navy on duty.

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Elsewhere, similar traditions exist in countries such as Denmark, while the US military also plays a ceremonial and security role during presidential inaugurations.