When does the Changing of the Guards ceremony happen?
The ceremony is held daily from May to July, and on alternate days throughout the rest of the year. Some days there is no musical accompaniment. Check the official website of The British Monarchy for the most up-to-date information).
Who provides musical accompaniment?
Each regiment of Foot Guards has a full military band consisting of no fewer than 35 musicians (usually, though not always, from one of the Guards regiments) led by its own Director of Music.
For any given ceremony, one of these regimental bands provides musical accompaniment (not all ceremonies have musical accompaniment). For logistical reasons, the band isn’t matched with its regiment. For example, if the New Guards are formed of the Welsh Guards, it doesn’t follow that the Band of the Welsh Guards will provide musical accompaniment.
What time does the Changing of the Guards ceremony start?
See our Changing of the Guard Timeline.
Where does the Changing of the Guards happen?
The most famous part of the ceremony takes places on the fenced-off area in front of Buckingham Palace (the forecourt). The whole ceremony, however, is staged in three locations and the two public roads that connect them (see the map below).
- Buckingham Palace
- St James’s Palace
- Wellington Barracks
- The Mall (pronounced the Mal) – leads between Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace
- Birdcage Walk – leads between Buckingham Palace and Wellington Barracks
Where’s the best place to watch the Changing of the Guard?
See the Best ways to watch the Changing of the Guard’ guide.
What are the nearest tube stations?
- Buckingham Palace – Green Park and Hyde Park Corner
- St James’s Palace – Green Park and Charing Cross
- Wellington Barracks – St James’s Park
To plan your journey and for live service updates check the official Transport for London website.
Does the ceremony run in bad weather?
No. The ceremony does not run in bad weather. Potential cancellations may be posted on the British Monarchy’s Twitter feed.
How much does it cost to watch? Can I buy a ticket?
It’s free to watch. The whole thing takes place in public. There is no ticketing. Standing room is determined on a first-come, first-served basis.
What should I look-up ahead of time to enrich my viewing experience?
- The differences in uniform (grouping of buttons of scarlet tunic, collar badge and plume on bearskin cap) that distinguish the five regiments
- The historical significance of each element of the ceremony
- Recent actions by the British Army for an appreciation of the soldiers’ active service
Where can I get a close-up picture of a Queen’s Guard outside of the ceremony?
A soldier dressed in red tunic and tall bearskin cap stood sentry is one of the great British icons. The best place to snag a pic stood next to a Queen’s Guard is at the main entrance to St James’s Palace on Pall Mall. Remember this soldier is at work, so be respectful of his/her space.
Are horses involved in the Changing of the Guard?
Buckingham Palace and St James’s Palace are guarded by Foot Guards, who are not mounted on horses. The mounted troops of the Household Cavalry provide the Queen’s Life Guard, which is changed at Horse Guard Parade in Whitehall at 11am (10am Sundays). The New Queen’s Life Guard can be seen passing Buckingham Palace at around 10:40am on their way to Horse Guards Parade. The Old Queen’s Life Guard passes at around 11:35am on their way to Hyde Park Barracks.
The Household Division
The Household Division is the collective title for both the Household Cavalry and the Foot Guards. The Household Cavalry consists of two regiments; The Life Guards along with The Blues and Royals (Royal Horse Guards and 1st Dragoons). These two regiments along with the five regiments of Foot Guards form the Household Division.
As a point of interest, each of the seven regiments has its own motto (for example, the Coldstream Guards’ motto is Nulli Secundus), the collective motto of the Household Division is Septum Juncta In Uno.
Read the other parts of our guide: Changing of the Guard Timeline | Changing of the Guard FAQ
Written by insider city guide series Hg2 | A Hedonist’s guide to…
(Featured image of a guard at St. James’s Palace by Shashi Bellamkonda)
