Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

Monday, 09 November 2009 14:21

London guide - Events in London

The Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace is one of the oldest traditions, and today, one of the most photographed by tourists.

The Royal Guard is responsible for guarding the palaces of the British monarchy since 1660. Until 1689, the Sovereign lived in Whitehall Palace guarded by the royal cavalry, in that year, the court moved to St.James Palace.  

It was Queen Victoria who moved to Buckingham Palace in 1837 and decided to divide the duty of guarding both palaces, establishing a custom which continues today.

The guards at Buckingham Palace are called "Queen's Guard” and are divided into 2 detachments: the Buckingham Palace and St.James Palace. The Changing of the Guard ceremony involves the replacement of positions of a group of infantry guards for another.

Regiments participating in this change are composed of the Scots Guards, Irish, Welsh, the royal Grenadiers and the Coldstream. These last ones are the most common and recognizable by their black fur hats and red uniforms.

The soldiers, with rigorous and precise steps, are accompanied by a military band that sings traditional marches, and even popular music and the most known pop or movie themes.  

From April to July every day at 11.30 am in the courtyard of Buckingham Palace you can see the changing of the guard, lasting approximately 45 minutes. The remaining months its on alternate days.

We recommend to be there at least 30 minutes before starting time if you want to find a good place.

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