Guide London, United Kingdom

from 01/01/2007 to 30/12/2008

Change of Guard at Buckingham Palace

Since the times of Charles II, the security of the king and queen and the surveillance of the royal residence is entrusted to a special group of soldiers, chosen among the best in the Kingdom. Even today, the soldiers that guard Buckingham Palace are not just men that perform a simple representation of a picturesque ceremony, they are professional soldiers who carry out their ancient tasks and, as always, are chosen with extreme care.

In London, the Guard has two detachments, one stationed at Buckingham Palace and one stationed at Saint James's Palace, where the Guard Captain has his Headquarters. A soldier contingent of the Guard is also at the Tower of London, where they also guard the Yeomen Wardens and Jewel House Wardens.

Every day at 11:30 from May until the end of July, and every other day the rest of the year, the new contingent arrives in front of the palace's courtyard, from Wellington Barracks, to change the guard and relieve their comrades. A band accompanies them during the journey, which takes about 5 minutes. Once they arrive to the courtyard, the ceremony itself continues until it finishes some forty minutes later.

We suggest arriving a bit early to be able to see the ceremony, because this tradition attracts many tourists. The ceremony can be postponed in case of rain.

Where: Buckingham Palace Hours: from May until the end of July, every day at 11:30. Alternate days the rest of the year. How to get there: by Subway, Victoria, Green Park, and Hyde Park Corner By bus: 11, 211, 239, C1 and C10, stop at Buckingham Palace Road. Information: tel. +44.(0)20.7766.7300