It was a sweet royal-watchers’ moment on The Mall as Blues and Royals cavalry riders paid a special gesture to a young admirer dressed in his own tiny military-style uniform, complete with decorative costume badges.
Frank, who has won a large following online thanks to charming videos of himself wearing different military outfits, looked overjoyed when the mounted soldiers acknowledged him with the ceremonial command known as “Eyes Left.”
In the footage, the little boy can be seen standing proudly in salute, a staff tucked beneath his arm, as the riders proceed along The Mall in London on their route toward Buckingham Palace.
Watching from the pavement, Frank appears focused as the Household Cavalry receives the formal “Eyes Left” order, prompting the riders to turn their heads in his direction as they pass.
“Eyes Left” is a long-standing military drill command traditionally used to show respect to a reviewing officer, senior figure, dignitary or other person being honoured during a parade or procession.
When the order is given, members of the unit are expected to snap their heads 45 degrees toward the individual receiving the salute.
As the cavalry moves by, Frank turns slowly, his face lighting up with a delighted smile as he takes in the unexpected tribute.
When asked how the moment felt, the young fan summed it up simply: “Really good.”
Footage shows Frank (pictured) standing in salute, while holding a gold-tipped staff under his arm, as the riders make their way down The Mall in London
As the riders pass, Frank slowly turns around with an amazed grin spreading across his face
Frank, who posts videos on TikTok under the handle @frankthesoldier1, on which he has more than 390,600 followers, melted hearts as social media users reacted to the footage.
One fan wrote: ‘Cannot wait for Frank to grow up and then get commissioned as an Army Officer.’
‘Frank… you are a national treasure my friend,’ another added.
The little star’s popularity has even reached overseas, with one supporter from Denmark commenting: ‘Oh Frank my dear boy do you have any idea how loved and respected you are by the armed forces I do hope so.
‘And I know that when the time comes you will have the military career that you want from the entire armed forces of Denmark.’
The account’s bio reads: ‘Hello and welcome to Frank’s Dads account! Dedicated to documenting Frank’s adventures with the Kings Guards/all things military.’
The Blues and Royals are the second most senior regiment in the British Army and form part of the Household Cavalry.
The regiment was formed in 1969 through the amalgamation of the Royal Horse Guards (The Blues) and the Royal Dragoons (The Royals).
In April, Frank received a special nod by a King’s Guard during a visit to Horse Guards in central London
However, this is not the youngster’s first memorable encounter with Britain’s ceremonial soldiers.
Frank has so far built up 12.4 million likes across his adorable videos and, in April, received a special nod by a King’s Guard during a visit to Horse Guards in central London.
The separate heartwarming clip shows Frank, dressed in full King’s Guard uniform and carrying his trademark gold-tipped staff, making his way towards the guard as crowds gather to take photographs at the popular tourist attraction.
Patiently waiting for his turn, the young lad even lets a woman step ahead of him so she can have her photo taken with the guard.
When it is finally Frank’s turn to meet the guard, he lifts his leg high, as if to stand to attention, before approaching his idol.
He then salutes the guard who gives a special nod to the youngster, much to Little Frank’s delight.
The young lad doesn’t forget the drill, however, and makes a sharp about turn before marching away from the King’s Guard and allowing himself a quick smile for the camera.
The military men famously hold an expressionless demeanour as they are generally not allowed to interact with members of the public.
