England may have had a World Cup match to win this evening, but at the Tower of London work does not stop for the Beefeaters tasked with guarding the Crown Jewels.
As fans across the country prepared to watch England’s clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Yeoman Gaoler John Donald said the Tower’s centuries-old responsibilities would continue largely uninterrupted.
He told the BBC: “I’m a massive football fan, have been since I was a schoolboy, love playing football but unfortunately duty must come first.
“We have an ultimate responsibility of guarding the Crown Jewels and looking after our visitors so yes I will be on duty, but I’m going to be keeping an ear out.”
The former soldier, who joined the Tower in 2014 after a 28-year military career, said football had always been a huge part of his life.
“I’ve been very lucky, very honoured to have done what I’ve done over the last 40 years in uniform.”
He is second-in-command of 25 Yeoman Warders, the ceremonial guardians better known as Beefeaters.
Their duties include welcoming visitors, leading guided tours, guarding the Crown Jewels and maintaining overnight watches after the attraction has closed to the public.
A warder remains on duty throughout the night as a watchman.
