Changing the Guard at Buckingham Palace

A familiar sight at Buckingham Palace is the Changing the Guard ceremony that takes place in the forecourt each morning. The monarch and the royal palaces have been guarded by the Household Troops since 1660.

The men you see in front of Buckingham Palace (and other locations in London as well as Windsor) are the Queen’s Guard. As well as upholding the traditions of the past through their ceremonial duties, the Foot Guards also carry out operational duties in the UK and throughout the world as professional soldiers.

Below is a video about the purpose, history and significance of Changing the Guard (also known as Guard Mounting) at Buckingham Palace.

You can see the guards dressed in the bright red uniforms and bearskin hats of picture postcard London and experience the music, marching and shouting that characterises the whole ceremony on the following days:

During the month of April 2009, the Changing the Guard will take place at Buckingham Palace on even dates, i.e. 2, 4, 6, and daily at Windsor Castle.

From May to July 2009 inclusive, Changing the Guard will take place daily at Buckingham Palace and Windsor Castle.

Further information
Royal Guards of London