HISTORY & TRADITION
Changing of the King’s Guard at Buckingham Palace
👑 A Royal Tradition of Duty, Discipline, and Display
The Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace is one of the most recognisable and time-honoured military ceremonies in the world. A blend of military precision, regal tradition, and British pageantry, it’s not just a spectacle for tourists — it’s a functional part of the security operation at royal residences, steeped in over three centuries of history.
📜 Where It All Began: Origins of the Guard
The tradition dates back to 1660, when King Charles II restored the British monarchy after the English Civil War and the short-lived Commonwealth under Oliver Cromwell. Upon his return to power, Charles established a permanent bodyguard to protect the sovereign — these were known as the Household Troops.
Initially, these soldiers guarded the royal palaces at Whitehall and St. James’s, not Buckingham Palace, which didn’t become the monarch’s official residence until much later.
🏰 Buckingham Palace: A New Royal Home
In 1837, Queen Victoria moved into Buckingham Palace, making it the principal royal residence. From that point forward, the sovereign’s guard began mounting daily duty at the palace gates. The ceremony we know today — the Changing of the Guard — grew out of the practical need to relieve the soldiers on duty with fresh troops from nearby barracks.
Today, it’s a full-scale public event, drawing crowds from around the world and symbolising the continuity and stability of the monarchy.
⚔️ Who Are the Guards?
The soldiers involved in the Changing of the Guard come from the Household Division, an elite group of regiments within the British Army who have dual roles:
- Ceremonial Duties for the King
- Operational Military Roles — many of these soldiers have served on active duty in conflict zones such as Iraq, Afghanistan, and the Balkans.
The Main Regiments Include:
- Grenadier Guards (white plume, oldest of the regiments)
- Coldstream Guards (red plume)
- Scots Guards (no plume, buttons in threes)
- Irish Guards (blue plume)
- Welsh Guards (green and white plume)
Each regiment is distinguished by the plume in their bearskin cap, button spacing, and collar badges.
🥁 What Happens During the Ceremony?
See the Ceremony section for in depth description of the ceremony and how best to watch it.
The Changing of the Guard, or more formally the Guard Mounting, is a structured, ceremonial handover. Here’s how it works:
- The New Guard forms up at Wellington Barracks (just south of the palace).
- Accompanied by a military band, they march to Buckingham Palace.
- Simultaneously, a smaller detachment from St James’s Palace marches to join them.
- In the forecourt of Buckingham Palace, the Old Guard formally hands over responsibility.
- This includes inspection, orders exchanged, and sentries posted or relieved.
- Once the handover is complete, the Old Guard returns to barracks, and the New Guard takes up their post.
The whole process takes about 45 minutes, and includes musical performances, precise drill movements, and military formality.
🐻 The Famous Bearskins
The tall black hats are known as bearskins — originally designed to make soldiers look taller and more intimidating. Made from real Canadian black bear fur, they’re about 18 inches (45cm) tall and weigh 1.5 pounds (0.7 kg). Though traditional, their use has drawn criticism from animal welfare groups, and the army has trialled synthetic alternatives, though none have yet matched the durability of the originals.
🎺 Marching to the Beat: The Music
One of the highlights is the regimental band, which plays a range of music — not just military marches but also contemporary hits, film themes, and even pop songs.
Past performances have included:
- Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen
- Game of Thrones theme
- Let It Go from Frozen
- Thriller by Michael Jackson
The variety adds a surprise element to each ceremony and showcases the versatility of the military musicians.
📍 Where and When to Watch
See the Ceremony section for in depth description of the ceremony and how best to see it.
- Location: Forecourt of Buckingham Palace
- Time: Begins at 11:00 AM, usually on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, but can vary with seasons and special events.
- Arrive Early: Get there by 10:00 AM for a good viewing spot — crowds build up quickly, especially in summer.
- Check Ahead: The ceremony is weather-dependent and can be cancelled at short notice if it rains or snows.
The official Household Division website provides up-to-date schedules. See Ceremony section for links.
💡 Fun Facts
- Silent Sentries: While on duty, the guards are not supposed to speak, but they can give warnings or act if a threat is detected. They’re trained to be vigilant — even if they look motionless.
- Marching Distance: The guards march around 500 metres from Wellington Barracks to the palace, watched by thousands of onlookers every day.
- Royal Approval: The guards’ performance reflects directly on the monarchy — excellence in drill and discipline is not just tradition, but expectation.
- Global Fame: The ceremony has featured in films, documentaries, and even parodied in cartoons and comedy shows. It’s one of the most photographed moments in London.
🌍 A Symbol of Britain
The Changing of the Guard isn’t just a tourist attraction — it’s a living symbol of the monarchy’s connection to the military, and a showcase of British discipline and heritage. It links centuries of history to the present day, reminding visitors and citizens alike that behind the spectacle lies duty, service, and respect for tradition.
