Her Royal Highness…a squirrel?

The changing of the guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace is supposed to be all about marching bands and men in furry hats.

But on the day we visited the home of the British monarchy it was actually a tiny female squirrel that stole the show.

The clever little creature has obviously worked out that every second day – when thousands of tourists turn out to watch the guards change shifts at 11am -- is a sure way to get attention and food.

The squirrel munched on pecan nuts and revelled in the pats from numerous onlookers while the 45-minute ceremony was underway.

I know they are considered by many to be vermin -- rats with furry tails as one American couple remarked -- but I don't care.  I think they are cute, even if they do probably have rabies...