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Changing the Guard
The Changing of
the Guard
Ever since 1660 Household troops have guarded the Sovereign
Palaces. The Palace of Whitehall was the main residence until 1689 and was
guarded by the Household Cavalry. (They can still be seen here today; outside
Horse Guards Arch). The court moved to St James's Palace in 1689. When Queen
Victoria moved into Buckingham Palace (1837) the Queen's Guard remained at St
James's Palace and a detachment guarded Buckingham Palace, as it does today.
Buckingham Palace
The Changing of the Guard takes place inside the railings of
the forecourt to Buckingham Palace. The Foot Guards provide a colourful display
in their red tunics and bearskins and are accompanied by a band throughout.
During the 45 minute ceremony the New Guard replaces the Old Guard and a
detachment is left at Buckingham Palace with the remaining New Guard marching
on to St James Palace. For a good view, get there early and position yourself
near the railings or the Victoria Memorial.
The Changing of the Guard takes place daily at 11.30am and lasts
approximately 45 minutes.
In July 2003 the ceremony takes place every day. In August 2003 it will
take place on ODD days only (e.g 1, 3, 5)
Tube: Victoria, St James's Park or Green Park.
Entrance: Adult: £11.50, Students and Snr Citizens: £9.50,
Child: £6.00, Under 5s: FREE.
Get into this attraction and sixty others with the London Pass.
Click here
St James's Palace
Part of the Old Guard marches from St James Palace to
Buckingham Palace at 11.15am and returns at 12.05pm. Please note that this
Changing of the Guard only occurs on days when the guard at Buckingham Palace
is changed.
For times - See information above.
Horse Guards Parade
For a chance to see the Queen's Life Guard, head for the
separate ceremony that takes place daily throughout the year at Horse Guards
Parade, Whitehall. A similarly colourful spectacle, this is a 25 minute ceremony.
The guard march from Hyde Park Corner, via Constitution Hill and the Mall to
Horse Guards Parade.
Changing of Guard at Horse Guards Parade takes place daily at 11am (Mon-Sat)
and 10am (Sun).
Tube: Embankment, Charing Cross and Westminster.
Entrance: FREE.
Windsor Castle
William the Conqueror chose to build a castle at Windsor
more than 900 years ago to defend the western approach to the capital. As one
of the Queen's official residences Windsor Castle still plays a formal role in
State and official occasions. To share in the pageantry of this palatial
residence you can watch the Changing of the Guard as they march up through the
town to the castle, accompanied by a band, when the Queen is in residence. When
the Queen is away, they mount guard by the Henry VIII gate in winter, and on
Castle Hill in summer.
Changing of Guard at 1100 Mon-Sat (Apr-Aug).
In July 2002 it will take place every day, in August 2002 it takes
place on EVEN dates only (eg. 2, 4, 6).
Tube: Paddington to Windsor and Eton Central (Great Western)
Entrance: Adults £11.50, Children £6.00, Snr Citizens £9.50
and Families £29.00
Get into this attraction and sixty others with the London Pass.
Click here
