About Changing Of The Guard
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Highlights Of The Changing Of The Guard
- View the Changing of the Guard ceremony at four different venues in London, with Buckingham Palace being the most famous one.
- Watch both the Old and New Guards march to the actual location and carry out the entire ceremonial process.
- Listen to the musical support by the Regimental Band or Corps of Drums with pipers playing the tunes melodiously.
- Click pictures with the guards at Buckingham Palace and Horse Guards Parade after the Changing of the Guard ceremony as a token of remembrance.
- Watch the guards mounting on well-groomed horses with swords drawn and breastplates shining brightly in the sun in the Horse Guards Parade.
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Where To Watch Changing Of The Guard
During the Changing of the Guard ceremony in Buckingham Palace, The Queen’s Guard gives away the responsibility of protecting St. James’ Palace and Buckingham Palace to the new officials. The ceremony starts with a detachment march from the old Guards. The music starts to play all around the palace, and the New Guard from the Regimental Band of Wellington Barracks takes the charge of protecting the palaces at 11 am. The entire ceremony of Changing of the Guard London lasts for about 45 minutes, and you can get the best view of the entire ceremony if you reach at least 30 minutes earlier than the official time.
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The Changing of the Guard ceremony at the Horse Guards Parade is held when The Queen’s Guards change the responsibility of protecting Buckingham Palace and St. James’ Palace. This ceremony starts with the guards mounting on well-groomed horses with breastplates shining in the sun and swords drawn.
The Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment, which includes a Squadron of the Blues and Royals, who wear red plumed helmets and blue tunics, and a Squadron of the Life Guards, who wear white plumed helmets and red tunics, presents The Queen’s Life Guard to the new Guards. Since the place experiences less crowd and there are no railings, this place is ideal for watching the Changing of the Guard London ceremony with young children and people who are looking for some remarkable pictures.
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The Changing of the Guard ceremony in Windsor Castle occurs in the picturesque surroundings of the ancient and largest occupied castle in the world. During this ceremony in Windsor Castle, the entire traffic is prohibited to move and the street gets transformed into a Parade Ground, where the residents and tourists stand to watch this ceremony of Changing of the Guard London.
Until the Queen is in the official residence, this ceremony is held in the Lower Ward, where the Old and New Guard enter and leave through the Henry VIII Gate. On the contrary, when the Queen is in the official residence, the Changing of the Guard ceremony occurs on the lawn of the Quadrangle on the exterior of the Royal Apartments, when the Guards march to the top of Castle Hill and enter through St. George’s Gate.
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The responsibility of the Guards at the Tower of London is rotated every week, and you can witness the Changing of the Guard ceremony on your visit to the Tower of London. The Tower of London Guard consists of about one officer, 15 soldiers, and 6 NCOs, and they are posted sentries outside the Queen’s House and the Jewel House.
The ceremonial opening of the Changing of the Guard commences at 9 am when the Duty Yeoman Warder and a military pull open both the Byward and Middle Towers. The public is allowed to enter the Tower of London after the ceremony is over. After this, the soldiers march to the Tower of London to collect the Word at 3 pm.
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Know Before You Experience Changing Of The Guard
Location: Buckingham Palace: Memorial Flower Beds, Construction Hill, Spur Road, London SW1A 1AA, United Kingdom.The Windsor Castle: 114 Campden Hill Road, Greater London W8 7AR, United Kingdom.Horse Guards Parade: 13 Macclesfield Street, London W1D 5BR, United Kingdom.Tower of London: London EC3N 4AB, United Kingdom.
Timings: Buckingham Palace Forecourt: from 11 am (every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday)The Windsor Castle: from 11 am (every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday)
Best Time to Experience:The Changing of the Guard ceremony starts at 10.45 am outside Buckingham Palace. Hence, it is the best time to experience this ceremony as the actual handover takes place at 11 am and lasts for only about 45 minutes. It is advisable to reach the location at least half an hour before the ceremony to avoid crowds and get a good place to view the entire ritual.
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- By Train- To reach Buckingham Palace, you can either take a train to London Charing Cross or London Victoria. You can take a 10-minute walk from the Victoria Coach Station to Buckingham Palace.
- By Coach/Bus- Buses are also easily accessible on this route. You can board any of the bus numbers 11, 211, C1, and C10 stop at Buckingham Palace.
- By Underground- Hyde Park Corner, Green Park, Victoria, and St. James Park are some of the places from where you can take underground transportation to reach Buckingham Palace.
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Changing Of The Guard FAQs
What is the best time to experience Changing of the Guard?
The best time to experience Changing of the Guard London is from 10.45 am when the actual ceremony starts. The handover ceremony takes place at 11 am, and it generally lasts for about 45 minutes. It is advisable to reach at least half an hour before the actual time to avoid crowds and get a good place to view the ritual.
Does the changing of the guard ceremony happen every day?
No, the Changing of the Guard ceremony does not happen every day. It takes place every other day, but it may be subject to change. Hence, you should check the schedule of the ceremony on the official website for confirmed timings of Changing of the Guard. This ceremony does not occur on days when large events take place in the city center.
Is watching the changing of the guard ceremony free?
Yes, watching the Changing of the Guard ceremony is completely free of charge. You can just visit the venue and select your best location to view the entire ceremony.
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What is the duration of the changing of the guard ceremony?
The duration of the Changing of the Guard ceremony is about 45 minutes. It starts at 10.45 am, but the actual handover takes place at 11 am. However, it is advisable to reach at least half an hour prior to the actual time so you can avoid crowds and get the best view possible.
Can we click photographs with the guards?
Yes, you can click photographs with the guards at the Changing of the Guard London. You must always remain disciplined in front of them, even while clicking pictures.
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