The Ultimate Guide to the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace

TLDRExperience the Changing of the Guard at Buckingham Palace in the best way possible with this comprehensive guide. Learn the history, timings, and secret locations to get the best visuals. Follow along as we march alongside the guards and witness the uniform inspection and musical accompaniment. Discover the behind-the-scenes details of this iconic ceremony.

Key insights

👑The Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace dates back to the reign of Henry VII in the 15th century and combines military discipline with ceremony.

🏰The ceremony takes place at three locations: Saint James' Palace, Buckingham Palace, and Wellington Barracks.

🐻The soldiers participating in the ceremony are part of the Queen's Guard and have extensive military experience.

🎶The musical accompaniment is performed by different bands, including the Cold Stream Guards and the Welsh Guards.

🌳To get the best view of the ceremony, avoid the crowded palace gates and head to alternative locations, such as Saint James' Park or Wellington Barracks.

Q&A

How long has the Changing of the Guard tradition been around?

The tradition dates back to the reign of Henry VII in the 15th century.

Where does the Changing of the Guard ceremony take place?

The ceremony takes place at three locations: Saint James' Palace, Buckingham Palace, and Wellington Barracks.

Who are the soldiers participating in the ceremony?

The soldiers participating in the ceremony are part of the Queen's Guard and have extensive military experience.

Which bands perform the musical accompaniment?

Different bands, such as the Cold Stream Guards and the Welsh Guards, take turns performing the musical accompaniment.

How can I get the best view of the ceremony?

Instead of joining the crowd near the palace gates, head to alternative locations like Saint James' Park or Wellington Barracks for a better view.

Timestamped Summary

01:04The Changing of the Guard dates back to the reign of Henry VII in the 15th century as a military discipline combined with ceremony.

03:58The ceremony takes place at three locations: Saint James' Palace, Buckingham Palace, and Wellington Barracks.

07:43The soldiers participating in the ceremony are part of the Queen's Guard and have extensive military experience.

08:51The musical accompaniment is performed by different bands, including the Cold Stream Guards and the Welsh Guards.

13:31To get the best view of the ceremony, avoid the crowded palace gates and head to alternative locations, such as Saint James' Park or Wellington Barracks.