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A Grenadier Guard who was filmed pirouetting outside Buckingham Palace in footage which went viral online is facing a fine, officials say.

The guardsman, whose identity has not been revealed, was celebrated by online commentators for his impromptu performance outside the Queen's residence last month.

His bizarre dance moves have been watched more than 1.8million times since the hilarious footage was uploaded to YouTube.

Under the Armed Forces Act 2006, he could face a maximum sentence of a three week stint at an army jail for 'conduct prejudicial to good order and Service discipline'.

But a Ministry of Defence spokeswoman said today he is "highly unlikely" to be jailed over the stunt.

She said: "He will face some sort of action but it is more likely to be a fine. No decision has been made."

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Army bosses are understood to be taking legal advice over the incident.

After news of the guardsman's potential punishment was reported over the weekend, many YouTube viewers voiced their support for him.

One wrote: "Hope they keep him around and let him continue. A nice change from the monotony.

Another said: "I dont see anything wrong... soldier just exercised a little bit. And because of that you want to punish him?! Nonsense!"

In an official statement, the MoD said: "We are aware of the video. Anyone who is found to fall short of the Army’s high standards can expect to face appropriate action."