Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace

If you are on a travelling spree and the next stop on your list is London, then you must be wondering about what amazing places you can visit and things you can do while you are there. Well, if you want to witness the royalty of the city in its full bloom then you can not miss the Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. It is one of the most popular and recurring events in London and the best part about it is that it’s completely free to attend.

WHAT IS CHANGING THE GUARD AT BUCKINGHAM PALACE?

Changing the Guard ceremony is also referred to as Guard Mounting. The ceremony is marked by the formal handover of duties from one group of soldiers to another, both groups belonging to the regiments of Foot Guards. What makes this ceremony lively and attractive is the Guard’s band. From traditional military marches to famous pop songs, the ceremony is full of high-spirited music and colours. The Foot Guards are dressed in red tunics and bearskins. Without a doubt, Foot Guards represents the royal city all around the globe.

WHEN THE CEREMONY IS HELD?

The ceremony usually takes place every day during the summer season. However, during winter, the days may vary. If you are planning to watch the ceremony, make sure to confirm the schedule before visiting from the Household Division’s website. On some days, you can also attend the ceremony at Windsor Castle. Only, if some other prominent events are happening in central London, the Changing the Guards ceremony usually does not take place then. The ceremony starts between 10.30 am to 11 am and lasts for about 30 to 45 minutes. It’s recommended to arrive around 45 minutes before if you want to get a good place to see it.

DIFFERENT REGIMENTS OF GUARDS

All of the Queen’s Guards are not the same rather they belong to different regiments. Before you attend the ceremony have a little brief about the different regiments of the soldiers:
1. Grenadier Guards – the most senior regiment
2. Coldstream Guards – the oldest regiment
3. Scots Guards – the division of soldiers that began as personal guards King Charles I of England and Scotland
4. Irish Guards – the only Irish regiment in the British Army
5. Welsh Guards – the newest regiment

CHANGING OF THE GUARD’S UNIFORMS

Whenever we talk about guards at Buckingham Palace, a typical image of their uniforms appears in our mind i.e. red tunics and bearskins. But it’s not the case always. The red tunics and bearskin are worn by the guards in summer (April to October). However, during the winter or autumn days, the red tunics are replaced by grey long coats which help them survive the harsh cold.

BEST PLACE TO WATCH THE CEREMONY

The best place to witness the ceremony is from Buckingham Palace’s gates and Victoria Memorial. You can also capture some of the finest and closer shots of the guards from here. Some other spots include The Mall, Friary Court, and the Wellington Barracks.

It is a perfect event to attend especially for those who are on a budget as it is free. You can easily reach Buckingham Palace by tube station, train, bus, or car. Don’t miss out on this ceremony because if you haven’t witnessed this then you have never been to London!