Royal guards target of new British ISIL murder plot: report

Members of the Queen's Guard have reportedly been warned about an ISIL plot to kidnap and murder one of their number.

Sources close to the Royal family claim some guards have already been moved due to the "acute" nature of the threat, the Business Standard has reported.

The Queen's Guard are tasked with guarding royal residences across the country.

Although most famous for their ceremonial appearance in bright red coats and distinctive bearskin hats, they are fully-trained professional soldiers.

Many of them are veterans of the Afghanistan conflict.

"ISIS know it would be very difficult to attack a member of the Royal family, but one of the Queen's Guard would be a huge target for them," the Buckingham Palace source said.

Specialist troops will now watch the guards during their sentry shifts.

Several British men were arrested earlier this year over an alleged plot to attack Queen Elizabeth herself.