Soldier sits down as tribute to Queen

A soldier has raised eyebrows by sitting down on parade after meeting the Queen, revealing it was a mark of respect for leaders in his native Fiji. Report by Genelle Aldred.

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[jonnyrocket]

he was not taking a protest as many would have liked to think, he was showing respect, as the Queen fully understands as Fiji is a respected member of the Commonwealth.

[deeneegaming]

Im from fiji n thats how they show respect after meeting someone importnant

[republicoftexas]

He is a Fiji commonwealth soldier and in Fiji that is a sign of respect

[TheColosiss]

That was actually a big show of respect.

[linedanzer]

Having been to Fiji four times, I instantly recognized his gesture. Good on him for not being concerned with the naysayers and those who don't understand protocol.

[jshoot]

Very impressive even the Queen respects the soldier's culture from other country.

[Squicx]

It's sad the crowd doesn't understand the man's culture and gave him backlash for no reason but i'm glad the Queen recognised it and understood his gesture of respect.

[rharris]

I didn’t know what this meant until I read the comments. Thanks everyone for the information, and heaps of thanks to the Sergeant for his most respectful gesture to our late Queen.

[petercdowney]

17 individuals don't know that the Queen knows full well how Fijians show respect.

[PoppyCupCake]

I like how she smiled at him once he sat down and she realised what he was doing. This was a lovely gesture! Also, respect this man and call him by his rank 'Sergeant', he has 3 chevrons on his arm!

[snd]

Loved the way she smiled at him. She indeed deserves all the respect and love she gets.

[t.ellevision]

I didnt know of this form of respect, but I never thought it as disrespect. I thought maybe the man was very moved and almost fainted. This sign of respect is really touching. It shows humility and vulnerability. Making oneself "lower" to show the understanding and acceptance of Her Majesty The Queen's position. Truly a beautiful gesture. Please don't be quick to judge what you don't understand. Just sitting back and waiting before jumping to a conclusion could save many people from being hurt. Always be Humble and kind💜

[ezqghgk]

**7 years later**
Youtube algorithm: he’s ready....

[bmused]

Well done Sergeant, a great show of respect in both British (Standing to attention and saluting) and Fijian traditions. Kudos. Shame on those who speak ill of him.

[simonalcroft]

Fiji: one of the strongest, most respected allies for the U.K. what an honour to have these great warriors on our team. 🇫🇯 🇬🇧

[LIQUIDITY_TRADERZ]

The queen has been to so many countries n islands that she understand about the soldier's culture. Where im from which is tonga we sat down all the way from the airport to the palace when queen Elizabeth first arrived in our home land. Its not only us but most of the Polynesian cultures are the same like fijia n samo etc

[jamesdunne]

and the Queen having been to Fiji many times would have known what this respectful soldier was doing.

[timmo]

Good man stay true to your values the Queen knows precisely what you are doing. Proud to have you in the British Army

[zacvidyasagar]

I love how she recognised his symbol of respect from a different culture

[LiquidSpiral]

This honourable, brave man (a sergeant) just showed the Queen the highest level of respect with this gesture. She was well aware of this practice through her several visits to Fiji. What an amazing moment to catch on camera!