About this activity

‍

Free cancellation

Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund

Duration

4 hours

Check availability to see starting times

Live tour guide

English

Changing the Guard and Westminister

Dates:

King's Guard - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Sunday

Windsor Castle Guard - Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday

Time: 10am

Where: Buckingham Palace, St James's Palace, Windsor Castle

‍

The Changing the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace follows a traditional format that is the basis for guard changing ceremonies which take place at other Palaces and Royal Residences.

The Old Guard (the soldiers currently on duty) form up in front of the palace and are relieved by the New Guard which arrives from Wellington Barracks. The New Guard is accompanied by a Band. The ceremony represents a formal handover of responsibilities.

The Guard at Buckingham Palace is typically provided by one of the five Foot Guards Regiments of the Household Division, identified by the number of buttons on their distinctive tunics and the plume in their bearskin caps.

You will notice that soldiers of both the Old Guard and New Guard carry regimental flags. Known as Colours, these traditionally served as regimental emblems which provided rallying points in battle. Today, they carry regimental distinctions or battle honours emblazoned on them.

Click here to call for accurate dates of upcoming guard changes and other activity at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.

 Other Ceremonial Activity

The Guard must be inspected every day in a tradition which reaches back to the formation of permanent Royal Guards by Henry VIII. On days when there isn’t a guard change, the guard is inspected by the Captain at 1500 to ensure the soldiers remain fit for the duty of guarding the Sovereign. Inspections take place at Buckingham Palace, St James’s Palace, and Windsor Castle.

On Sunday the Colour (flag) is incorporated into the inspection of the Guard at Buckingham Palace. The ceremony, known as the Sunday Parade, takes place at 1100 instead of 1500. Following the inspection the colour is ‘trooped’ through the guard while the national anthem is played. It is then marched back to St James’s Palace, escorted by the Guard, and lodged (marched off parade) in Friary Court.

How to Watch

Changing of The King’s Guard takes place in front of Buckingham Palace at 1045 and lasts for about 45 minutes. You should arrive early to get the best view. Soldiers gather at St James’s Palace and Wellington Barracks from 1000 and march to Buckingham Palace accompanied by music. Please go to the 'schedule' tabs for Changing the Guard schedule.

Ceremonial activity can sometimes be altered or cancelled at very short notice, especially in wet weather and can be decided as late as 1045 on the day.

Security

During ‘Changing The Guard’ ceremony, Police Officers are always present to ensure a safe and smooth event.  

If you are coming to watch, please do take care of your personal possessions at all times.  As with all crowded places, pickpockets have been known to operate in this area. Please report any suspicious behaviour to a Police Officer.  For further advice, please visit:

https://www.met.police.uk/cp/crime-prevention/  

‍

‍

‍