On my last visit to London, I visited Buckingham Palace to witness a legendary royal tradition of the United Kingdom. It is the changing of the guards. A top priority on my bucket list was to watch this iconic ceremony. Had some ideas about it from the YouTube videos and documentaries. But watching it live was just a lifetime experience for me and my two sons, Ron and John.
In this article, I will share my experience of this classic event. Also, I detail what time is changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace.
Table of Content
- Detailing What Time is Changing of the Guard Buckingham Palace.
- Guard Changing Plans in a Table.
- The Basics of Changing of the Guards.
- Historical Significance of the Guard Changing at Buckingham Palace.
- How and Where to Watch Changing of Guards Buckingham Palace?
- Tips to Watch Guard Changing at Buckingham Palace.
- Resourceful FAQs.
Detailing What Time is Changing of the Guard Buckingham Palace
The alteration of the Guards follows a specific schedule. The particulars will vary depending on the month of the year.
- January, February, March, April, & May: Guard-changing event occurs on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
- August, September, October, November, & December: Guard-changing event occurs on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.
- June & July: It takes place daily.
Guard Changing Plans in a Table
The program officially begins at 10:45 AM. The duty handover takes place at 11 AM. The event usually lasts around 40 minutes. I suggest you arrive at Buckingham Palace at 10.15 to secure a perfect seat. The below table is the breakdown of the schedule:
| Time | Happenings |
| 10:40 AM | The New Guard assembles for inspection at Wellington Barracks and departs for Buckingham Palace upon the arrival of the Regimental Color (flag). |
| 10:30 AM | A contingent of Old Guards departs Friary Court at St James’s Palace. It marches towards Buckingham Palace. Here, a marching band or drum corps accompanies the team. |
| 10:45 AM | The Old Guards arrive at Buckingham Palace from St James’s Palace. Then, they line up alongside Buckingham Palace’s forecourt. |
| 10:55 AM | The New Guards arrive at Buckingham Palace. |
| 11:00 AM | Then, the Old Guard and New Guard perform a ceremonial arms salute with their rifles to each other and exchange the keys to Buckingham Palace. This exchange signifies the transfer of responsibility from the Old Guard to the New Guard. |
| 11:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Music fills the air. Here, some essential events are Guards parading their regimental colours, soldiers undergoing inspection, Officers reporting to the Senior Captain, and new sentries from the New Guard taking up their positions. A duty Drummer informs the Director of Music that the handover is complete. Finally, the band reforms at the Centre Gates. |
| 11:35 AM | The New Guards march into their designated positions at Buckingham and St James’s Palace while the Old Guards return to Wellington Barracks. |
The Basics of Changing of the Guards
Ideally, the Changing of the Guard is a regular phenomenon in every fort, barrack, king’s palace, etc. In the changing process, shift-finished Foot Guards step aside to make way for a new set of Foot soldiers. Surely, it sounds dull. But the event as a whole is fascinating to watch.
During the shift change, the outgoing guard symbolically hands over the responsibility of protecting the palace. A crucial feature is the handover of ceremonial keys. This official transfer is known as Guards Mounting.
You might think it a very straightforward way of duty transfer. In actuality, it is a grand military procession that includes a series of ritual marches. Here, the royal music by the Guards Bands makes it even more enjoyable, colourful, and captive.
Before watching the happenings, I assumed the music only considered classic British tones. But I was wrong; the Royal Band even plays the most recent pieces. I heard the theme song of the James Bond movie. It was a real surprise for me.
Historical Significance of the Guard Changing at Buckingham Palace
The changing schedule of Buckingham Palace guards is linked to the UK’s monarchy. And this tradition is also interlinked with the reign of King Henry VII.
These Guard Regiments were established in 1656. Their job then was to safeguard the exiled King Charles II. This soldier unit had the finest trained and most loyal army personnel. Hence, such a critical mission! Interestingly, since the 1600s, this army unit has played crucial roles in every major conflict in the UK. It is one of the oldest units in the British Army and has received numerous medals for its courage and effort.
However, it wasn’t until Henry VII’s reign that the Royal Body Guard became a permanent institution. These soldiers have diligently guarded Kings and Queens for an impressive 520.
Following this, the unit was also deployed to protect the royals. And like every other military guard, there are shifts. After a shift, guards return to their Barack, and new personnel arrive. This tradition is still intact.
However, before 1837, this guarding ceremony used to take place at the Whitehall. That palace was the royal family’s home until 1698 when it tragically burned down.
Following the fire, they relocated to St James’s Palace. This new residence sees the Guard changing schedule just as well. This is because St James’s Palace is still a functioning royal building, hosting foreign dignitaries and family members when they visit London.
How and Where to Watch Changing of Guards Buckingham Palace
I have watched this ceremony twice, alone and with my sons, on two occasions. I watched it from Buckingham Palace Gate and Friary Court in St James’s Palace. But there are three other places to watch the Gaurd changing event: The Victoria Memorial, Willington Barracks, and The Mall. However, locals say Buckingham Palace Gate and The Victoria Memorial are the best locations.
These two places offer excellent visuals of the new Guard’s arrival and the departure of the old guards, including the handover process. However, the other three places are less crowded. But in my opinion, you cannot experience the excitement and joy of these places.
If you have five days in hand, allocate 50 minutes each day to watch the event from different locations. However, another option is watching the Horse Guards Parade at Whithall’s courtyard. It happens daily: weekdays at 11 AM and Sundays at 10 AM.
Tips to Watch Guard Changing at Buckingham Palace
- Never block the way of the guards; they would not stop but shout to give way for the King’s Guard.
- Take care of your belongings; sometimes pickpocketing happens.
- The respective location’s nearest station is London Victoria: it is a 15-minute walking distance.
- I do not suggest you take your car as you will face challenges to get a parking space and the charge is also expensive.
- Try not to obstruct others’ eyesight.
People Also Ask
How many soldiers protect Buckingham Palace?
If the King is there, 3 officers and 40 men of the King’s Guard are deployed at Buckingham Palace. Otherwise, the guard corps includes 3 officers and 31 men. Four sentries will guard the front of Buckingham Palace during the King’s stay. At other times, you will find only two of them.
Where do guard-changing ceremonies happen in London?
Actually, London’s popular Changing of the Guard Ceremony occurs in five locations: Buckingham Palace Gate, Friary Court in St. James’s Palace, The Victoria Memorial, Willington Barrack, and The Mall. You must be quick on foot to reach these places one after another. However, you will probably miss some events anyway due to their happening simultaneously, heavy traffic, tourists, mall-goers, etc.
What is the best plan to experience the Changing of the Guard?
Go early enough to Buckingham Palace and wait at the gates to witness the ceremony in full. It will officially begin at 11 am. Get closer to the Palace gates or go to the area of the Queen Victoria Memorial, which is in front of the Palace. So you can enjoy a better view of the events.
Final Words
So what time is the changing of the guard at Buckingham Palace? My elaboration will help you watch this phenomenal event on your next visit to London. The alteration of the royal sentries is not just a ceremony but a symbol of continuity and duty.
It is a testament to the commitment of the Foot Guards, who have protected the monarchy for over five centuries. I believe attending this event means celebrating the UK’s history and heritage.
One last tip: Take your whole family with you. I did enjoy it better together than my solo trip during my student years.
