changing of the guard

Changing Of The Guards Buckingham Palace

Changing of the Guard at Buckingham palace is a popular London tourist attraction, close to the main london hotels, drawing thousands of visitors to Buckingham palace to watch the soldiers undertake the historic ceremony of Guard Mounting - more commonly known as the Changing the guard.

The changing of the guards takes place in the courtyard of Buckingham palace, it is free to watch and lasts approximately three quarters of an hour (45 minutes)- it normal occurs at 11:30 am each morning during summer period but check details of changing the guard times and schedule.

Sentry Buckingham Palace London

Briefly the procedure involves the new guard taking over duties from the old guard - however it is accompanied by lots of pomp, guards bands, military music and the ceremony of changing of the guard. The Queens guard provide a colourful display dressed in bearskins and red jackets.

For the best view? Arrive early and stand as near as you can to the railings at the Victoria Monument.

Want a picture of a guard with you standing next to him? At St James' Palace, walk all the way past the courtyard at the Palace and turn round the corner, you are now in Pall Mall at this spot there is a guard standing all on his own. Simply go and stand next to him and pass your friend the camera.

How do you know if the Queen is actual at Buckingham palace? When the Queen is there then she has four sentries at the front - when she is away there are only two.

For more questions and answers on Changing of the Guard check out our FAQ.