On Wednesday, soldiers were seen taking up positions outside Downing Street, Parliament and Westminster.

With the terrorism threat at its highest level, tours of Buckingham Palace and Wednesday's Changing of the Guard ceremony were canceled, much to the dismay of tourists and many social media users.

Although some appeared disgruntled at the beefed-up security, others said the new measures made them feel more safe.

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“We do feel safer, and I think it's probably a deterrent,” said Clive Thomson, 46, as he glanced over his shoulder at a soldier standing inside the gilded railings of Buckingham Palace. Referring to the attack in Manchester, he said, “For them to target children, that's the lowest of the low.”

Although Thomson could spot only two soldiers, he said the number of armed officers outside the queen's London residence had increased significantly since Tuesday. “There's only two army, but when you add up the number of armed people, I think we counted a dozen people with guns. And there's the helicopter above. That's new. That's ample.”

Jane Ritchie, 44, his partner, said the added security could become a more permanent feature.

“I think it's really good. It makes us feel safer, more visible bodies. I can see it as an ongoing thing, especially after everything that just happened.”

“It's a very good thing, it's visibility, it's assurance,” said Geanalain Jonik, a 48-year-old tourist from Paris who was peering through the railings of Buckingham Palace. He said similar security measures have brought reassurance to the people of Paris in the wake of Islamist militant attacks in recent years. “We don't have enough policemen, and when you see soldiers and troops in the streets, it's better, it gives you the sense of feeling safe.”